Nine people were hospitalized and nearly 1,000 were evacuated from Terminal 8 at JFK Airport following an escalator fire. July 24, 2024.
© Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK + © Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
(New York, NY) – An escalator fire is to blame for a brief evacuation and significant disruption at JFK Airport in Queens. Operations had resumed by 11:00 AM at Terminal 8 and an investigation continues. It was sometime around 7:00 AM when smoke was reported at the escalator.
Port Authority officials say that 960 people were bussed to a separate terminal at that point. Although no major injuries have been reported, nine were hospitalized for minor issues. All of them are now receiving treatment for smoke inhalation.
Passengers are advised to check with their carrier before heading out to the airport because delays and cancelations have taken place as a result of the fire. American Airlines occupies Terminal 8, and 69 flights have been canceled, with 376 of their flights have been delayed. That amounts to 10% of the airline’s flights.
