BA evacuation: your stories

Alice Nimmo's boyfriend sent her this photo shortly after he exited the plane

Hundreds of people have been evacuated from a British Airways plane in the US after the cabin filled with fumes.

The passengers and crew used emergency slides to leave the aircraft. Many of them sent us emails to tell us about their experiences.

Read the full story here

I sat near the rear of the aircraft - row 48 to be exact. The beginning of the flight was just as normal - we left the terminal, and pulled on to the taxiway.
After about ten or so minutes of sitting still, a strange but harsh smell filled the cabin - it made my nose tingle and burned the back of my throat. Some people started to cough, and a few started to worry and panic - this kind of smell isn't one you expect on an aeroplane. After about five minutes, more people started to cough, someone towards the front of the aircraft shouted 'fire', the doors of the aircraft opened and the slides were deployed. People were pushing a bit to try and get to the exit, but I'd say within 20 seconds of the doors opening I was out of the plane.
I never realised how fast you can go down those emergency slides - a lot of people (including myself) have little friction burns on their elbows.
Charles Woolf, aged 16, from Fareham, England

As the plane was taxiing for takeoff the cabin started to smell of fumes similar to a car exhaust. Within minutes the fumes became so severe that it was becoming impossible to breath. People were starting to panic and then the pilot announced that he had the smell in the cockpit. As this was a jumbo jet the cockpit is on the upper level. The cabin crew were trying to calm passengers but many of them had gotten out of their seats in an attempt to get off the plane even though it was still moving. A number of them were demanding that the doors be opened immediately as they were running short of breath.
Joe Guinan, Dublin, Ireland

Joe Guinan used his mobile phone to capture the scene

My wife and I were sitting on the upper deck. When the aircraft started to back out, you could smell almost a burning rubber smell. After a minute or two, the alarm sounded and the BA crew did a fantastic job of evacuating all passengers. This only took one or two minutes. Luckily, nobody was seriously hurt other than friction burns on the evacuation slides. Unfortunately, the ground staff were not so organised in sorting out new flights and hotels. It took 4-5 hours before we knew what we had to do. However, the only English member of staff handled the situation in a very professional manner. Lastly, always wear socks if you are going to slide down the evacuation shoot!
Colin Greig, Chichester, England

Our recently qualified son Tim and his course mates were due home after 5 months of flying school. Tim was booked into his great aunt's 80th party tonight with all our family - first time we were due to be all together for years.
We're absolutely gutted but so glad that they are all fine. Hopefully they will come home safely tomorrow.
Sue Dale, Cranleigh, England

I was directly across the aisle from the overhead bin where the smoke was first seen exiting from. I was scheduled to arrive in London on business and currently debating if I will make this trip or not. I was very unhappy about how the airline and airport handled this situation, which I am sure was new for everyone. It took almost an hour for me to see the paramedics after having issues breathing. I was also denied water over and over again even thought I was complaining of a burning in my throat.
Mike Bloomfield, Arizona, United States

I was aboard this plane, one thing I can say was even though everyone did suffer some emotional trauma and we all did have trouble breathing. I believe the BA crew did an excellent job evacuating the passengers and they did what they had to do to the best of their abilities. They managed to find us alternate flights and they gave us food and water. There are a very kind and compassionate group of people here and this incident will not change my idea about BA or their abilities. They were professional and helpful.
Abdulmohsen Alreesh, Tucson, USA