Colonie Students put In danger when plane from Italy caught on fire

By Dylan Rafferty

April 22, 2024

On April 5, 2024, United Airlines flight 885 carrying Colonie students back home from Rome, Italy, had a rousing explosion in the engine. It was a consolidated but impactful explosion because it caused the plane to shake and emitted fierce orange and red sparks, yet the plane’s integrity was not compromised.

When they got back to the United States, the students had a very quick layover according to Erynn Barber, a chaperone and social studies teacher.

Ken, a worker at the Dulles airport outside of Washington DC, helped out the teachers by yelling at fellow people at the airport to get out of their way, making loud and strong commands.

“Ken who helped us plane-hop was more than Ken-nough, and was yelling at people to get out of our way and pushing people so we could get back to New York on time,” says Barber.

All of the commotion on the original plane and the stress that accumulated from switching planes left some students with concerns, such as Jovana Brown.

“I froze up and was freaking out on the plane, and it was like a domino effect. I was in a constant state of fear and ended up making some of my neighbors get worried as well,” says Brown.

While these feelings of anxiety were felt throughout the plane, some enjoyed the thrill of it.

“I was one of the people that was trying to keep everyone calm, and maintain peace on the plane,” says Hebebah Newar, another student on the trip.

Newar says that she was going around, telling people that everything will be okay, and to remain calm. She claims she was taking the pilot's position by keeping peace and stability, while flames and sparks broke out.

“I have been to Drake concerts, and have been in very loud areas and this plane was louder with all of the screaming,” says Newar.

This story comes in the midst of other stories this year with planes malfunctioning. These issues can be seen with the plane company Boeing, used by multiple plane airlines. They often get described as engineering mishaps, and often have underlying issues then the manufacturer facilities themselves.

During the Italy trip, students and staff ventured to name brand stores, ate a lot of gelato ice cream, and went out to dinner to experience the Italian culture and lifestyle. Students immersed themselves in art exhibits and sightseeing were very popular, seeing ancient architecture and art from the Renaissance time period.

“Aside from the plane, everything was beautiful and this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. All of the kids were a lot more mature outside of school, and saw true colors in a good way,” says Brown.