Passengers aboard Delta Air Lines Flight 876 faced a harrowing experience on Monday when smoke filled the cabin shortly after takeoff, forcing an emergency evacuation using the aircraft’s slides. The Boeing 717-200, carrying 94 passengers and 5 crew members, was bound for Columbia, South Carolina, but had to turn back to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
According to reports, crew members observed a haze in the flight deck soon after departure, prompting them to declare an emergency. The aircraft returned safely to the airport around 9:00am local time, receiving priority handling from air traffic control. Dramatic images later emerged of passengers evacuating the plane, with some seen standing on the left wing while clinging to their belongings.
A Delta spokesperson explained, “The flight crew followed procedures to return to Atlanta when a haze inside the aircraft was observed after departure. Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people, and we apologise to our customers for the experience.” Once on the ground, teams quickly transported passengers back to the terminal via ground transportation, and the airline is currently working to rebook affected travelers on alternative flights.
The incident, which unfolded rapidly, serves as a reminder of the rigorous safety protocols in place to protect passengers and crew during unexpected events. Further investigations are underway to determine the cause of the smoke.
