Saw Flames Coming From Engine Prior To Emergency Landing

A Boeing 737 from Athens to Luton made an emergency landing at the Greek airport 40 minutes after it left Sunday night, after what passengers said were flames coming from one of the engines.

The BBC reports the EasyJet passengers had already waited through a 90-minute delay caused by reports of snow in the UK. As the engine issue developed, they echoed a common complaint about airlines in streessful times -- poor communications.

"There was a big clanging noise, and obviously we were all terrified," said passenger Adele Berry. "There wasn't a lot of information being given.

"Then people towards the rear of the cabin...said that there was a fire, and were shouting fire, fire.

"We thought we were going to crash. We didn't have a clue what to do, so we just sat there, holding hands and hoping we'd get back down again."

The pilot reportedly dumped his fuel load while circling over the Mediterranean before returning to land. EasyJet said its engineers are investigating a "technical problem" on Flight EZY 2002, and that all passengers were allowed to rebook on alternate flights to the UK.

FMI: www.easyjet.com