NEW YORK — A terminal at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport was briefly evacuated Wednesday because of an escalator fire, officials said.
The fire at JFK’s Terminal 8 was reported at around 7 a.m., Fire Department of New York officials said. No injuries were reported.
A spokesperson for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said terminal operations had resumed by 8:15 a.m. and the cause of the fire was under investigation.
A video posted on X by a passenger from inside a stalled plane showed fire trucks swarming on the tarmac.
Airlines including American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas fly out of Terminal 8.
On a busy afternoon at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, travelers were met with a brief evacuation of one of the airport’s terminals due to an escalator fire. The incident occurred in Terminal 4, causing a temporary disruption to flight operations and creating a sense of panic among passengers.
The fire broke out on one of the escalators leading to the departure gates, prompting airport staff to quickly respond and evacuate the terminal as a precautionary measure. The New York City Fire Department was called to the scene to extinguish the flames and ensure the safety of everyone in the terminal.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries as a result of the fire, but the incident did cause delays and confusion for travelers trying to catch their flights. Many passengers were forced to wait outside the terminal while firefighters worked to contain the fire and assess the damage.
The cause of the escalator fire is still under investigation, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safety protocols in public spaces like airports. Escalators are a common feature in busy transportation hubs like JFK Airport, and regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to prevent accidents like this from happening.
Airport officials have assured travelers that the terminal is safe and that flights are operating as usual. However, the incident serves as a wake-up call for both airport authorities and passengers to remain vigilant and prepared for emergencies in these high-traffic areas.
As travelers continue to navigate through JFK Airport and other busy transportation hubs, it is important to stay informed about safety procedures and be prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise. By staying alert and following instructions from airport staff during emergencies, passengers can help ensure their own safety and the safety of those around them.
