Mexico-bound Southwest Airlines flight's engine catches fire mid-air

A Mexico-bound Southwest Airlines flight, en route from Houston, Texas to Cancun, Mexico, found itself in a harrowing situation when one of its engines caught fire mid-air. A passenger on board captured a video of the incident, which quickly circulated on social media.

The video, which went viral, captured the heart-stopping moment when the flames erupted from the engine, creating an intense visual spectacle. Alyssa Foster, a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines, disclosed to USA TODAY that Flight 307 encountered "a mechanical issue" shortly after departing from William P. Hobby Airport in Houston on August 15 evening.

While Foster didn't delve into specifics, she revealed that the flight retraced its path and executed a safe landing back at William P. Hobby Airport. Following the emergency landing, the plane was taken out of service for thorough examination and review.

Commending the flight crew's professionalism, Foster expressed gratitude for the passengers' patience during the ordeal. She further informed that the passengers destined for Cancun were swiftly accommodated on an alternate plane, ensuring their journey continued without further disruption.

The incident, involving a Boeing 737, has now attracted the attention of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has initiated an investigation to uncover the circumstances that led to the engine fire.