British Airtours Flight 28M, operated by a Boeing 737-200, was preparing for takeoff from Manchester Airport when it experienced a catastrophic engine fire. Just after the aircraft began its takeoff roll, smoke entered the cabin. The pilots quickly aborted the takeoff and initiated an emergency landing. Despite their prompt actions, the plane came to a halt on the runway with a significant amount of the aircraft engulfed in flames.

As evacuation procedures were activated, passengers attempted to exit through the emergency slides. However, the crew's response was hindered by poor training and a lack of clarity in the evacuation protocol. Many passengers became disoriented and were unable to evacuate in a timely manner, leading to a panic-like atmosphere inside the cabin. The ensuing smoke inhalation caused severe harm, accounting for the majority of fatalities among the 137 individuals on board.

In the aftermath of the incident, investigations revealed deficits in aircraft evacuation procedures and underscored the need for more rigorous training for flight crews. This event became a case study for the aviation industry, leading to reforms in safety regulations and improved training protocols to better handle emergencies. The findings prompted significant changes in how airlines prepare their crews for passenger evacuations.