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Americans could be detained for years in popular travel destination, officials warn

22 October 2026 at 13:00

Americans traveling to China are being warned about the possibility of detention, electronic surveillance and restrictions that could keep them from returning home, with a travel expert sharing critical information for people to know before they go. 

The U.S. State Department issued an updated Level 2 "Exercise Increased Caution" advisory for mainland China this week, citing concerns about wrongful detention and restrictions on leaving the country.

Travelers are told to be aware that routine professional, academic and personal activities, which carry no risk in Western countries, could be treated as criminal offenses under China's broad security laws.

STATE DEPARTMENT ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY AS ARRESTS AND EXIT BANS HIT POPULAR DESTINATION

The advisory also raises concerns about private communications, warning Americans that emails, texts and social media activity could be monitored by Chinese authorities.

"Assume that China's security services can read your emails, texts and social media posts if you send them to or from China," the Oct. 19 advisory states.

The State Department said some people have been detained or deported over private messages considered critical of Chinese authorities, even when those messages were sent outside China.

The risks extend beyond electronic communications.

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The State Department elaborated on possible detention without justification.

"The U.S. Department of State has determined that Americans are at serious risk of wrongful detention by the Government of China," the advisory states.

Those detained could spend years behind bars with limited contact with family members or U.S. officials, according to the department.

Travelers could also face restrictions that prevent them from leaving the country, even if they have not been detained.

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Chinese authorities have used the "exit bans" during investigations and business or civil disputes. Exit bans have also affected relatives of people under investigation, including children, according to the advisory.

Some travelers may not know they're prohibited from leaving until they try to fly home.

"U.S. citizens might only become aware of an exit ban when they attempt to depart China," the State Department said.

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Some bans have lasted for years. Officials warn there may be no clear way to challenge them in court.

Americans who plan to visit China are advised to travel with a U.S. passport and valid Chinese visa, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and arrange regular check-ins with family members or an employer.

Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. State Department for further comment.

"Be aware of your surroundings. Think before you take a picture," advised Bobby Laurie, a longtime travel expert and former flight attendant.

"This is one of those situations where maybe you were spotted taking pictures of law enforcement on the street, or you were somewhere you shouldn't have been. Maybe you were inadvertently near a protest on the streets," he added. 

"Then as your trip comes to an end, you head to the airport. You scan your boarding pass, ready to get through immigration to fly home. And then you realize you're actually not allowed to fly home. There has been an exit ban placed on you."

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He said anyone traveling to China should go with "a cell phone or electronic device that is really stripped down just to what you need for your trip."

Leave confidential information at home, he also urged. 

Travelers to hot spot sternly warned by State Department as officials deny wider Gulf shutdown

22 October 2026 at 00:45

Americans traveling in and through the Middle East have a new wrinkle to sort out.

The U.S. State Department has pushed back against circulating reports that it directed nonessential government personnel and their dependents to leave the entire Gulf region, clarifying that the departure order applies only to Saudi Arabia.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott dismissed the broader regional claims, calling them "inaccurate" after the department released a formal statement confirming the targeted drawdown within the kingdom. 

"The U.S. Department of State issued an ordered departure for non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia," the department said. 

AMERICANS WARNED AGAINST TRAVEL PLANS AS TERRORISM THREATENS POPULAR DESTINATION

The clarification arrived amid an uptick in militant strikes aimed at key regional transit hubs. 

In the statement shared with Fox News Digital, the spokesperson noted that "Iranian-supported Houthis have increasingly engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions."

Officials warned the security environment remains highly volatile, adding the conflict "has the potential to escalate rapidly, including beyond that immediate area."

The department emphasized that the safety and security of its staff and its households remain its highest priority. 

US STATE DEPARTMENT WARNS AMERICANS OF GROWING SECURITY RISKS IN HISTORIC REGION

The United States "will continue to take all necessary steps to protect and support them as they return to the U.S.," the spokesperson said.

In late September, the State Department renewed its warning to Americans traveling in and through the Middle East amid escalating regional tensions.

The warning came as Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched a ballistic missile toward Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted.

Residents reported hearing an explosion and later seeing a plume of smoke near King Khalid International Airport, according to The Associated Press.

No casualties or damage from the attack were reported at the time.

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In an X post in September, the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs warned that the security environment in the Middle East "remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation."

The agency added, "Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance and be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions."

Officials specifically cited hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthis in their warning.

"Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including civilian airports," the post said.

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"This military conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly. Americans outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region."

The agency also advised those traveling to or from the region to monitor airport and airline operations, warning that U.S. diplomatic facilities have been targeted, including outside the Middle East.

In June, U.S. officials similarly urged Americans across the Middle East to remain vigilant as tensions mounted across the region.

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At the time, officials warned that airspace closures, demonstrations and threats to locations associated with the United States could disrupt travel with little notice.

The State Department also maintained its "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" advisory for Oman in an Aug. 30 update, warning of risks from armed conflict and terrorism, including the threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran.

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Andrea Margolis of Fox News Digital and The Associated Press contributed reporting.

Man's puzzling disappearance in national park triggers frantic 24-hour search involving K-9

22 October 2026 at 00:05

A 70-year-old man disappeared for more than 24 hours, prompting an extensive search that stretched into the evening.

The Oahu man was last seen in the Big Island's Volcano area before he was reported missing around 12:16 p.m. Oct. 19, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

The man was identified as David Arai, whose son told Hawaii-based news station KHON2 his father was familiar with the area's hiking trails and that he frequently hiked alone.

MISSING 72-YEAR-OLD HIKER FOUND ALIVE DAYS AFTER FRIGHTENING 100-FOOT FALL LEFT HER BADLY INJURED

Police believed the man was at risk due to his age and other information gathered during the investigation.

Officers later located Arai's empty rental car inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, according to the department.

Hawaii Island police and National Park personnel searched the area on the ground, while a Hawaii Fire Department helicopter assisted from above.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Hawaii Police Department and David Arai for comment.

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K-9 Trina, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever specially trained to track people by scent, joined the search with her handler, Officer Christopher Ross, police said.

At about 7:30 p.m., Trina located the man on a trail roughly 2 miles from where his rental car had been found, according to the department.

Ross told KHON2 that Arai was lying on his back in bushes just off the trail when they found him.

Trina approached the man and licked his hand, according to the officer.

"The man was safely carried back to the trailhead and was subsequently transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center for medical treatment due to dehydration and exposure," the department said in the press release.

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The discovery marked the second time in two months that Trina located a missing person, according to police.

Originally from Sweden, Trina is trained to help locate missing children and endangered adults throughout Hawaii.

Just last month, she helped authorities locate an endangered teenager in Waikoloa, police said.

Fox News Digital previously reported on another search for an older hiker who disappeared during a trip in Northern California.

Mary Beth Granbery, 72, was reported missing after leaving for a multiday camping trip on Sept. 28 and failing to return as expected.

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Family members later found her camper van at the Cabin Creek Trailhead, prompting authorities in Siskiyou and Shasta counties to launch a coordinated search.

Ground crews found Granbery alive near Cabin Creek on Oct. 4 after she fell down a steep embankment and suffered serious injuries and exposure to the elements.

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A California Highway Patrol helicopter helped lift Granbery from the rugged terrain before she was taken to a hospital, where authorities said she was in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

The national park is also home to Kilauea, which recently erupted for the 55th time since late 2024 after a rare two-month pause, according to Fox Weather.

2,000-year-old treasure discovered beneath former sports field, breaking regional record

21 October 2026 at 13:00

A trove of ancient coins has been unearthed at a construction site in Germany — after remaining hidden for more than 2,000 years.

The discovery, made at Singer Berg in the central German state of Thuringia, was announced recently by the Thuringian State Office for Monument Preservation and Archaeology (TLDA). 

In a translated news release, officials said excavation director Ronny Krause discovered the coins while archaeologists were investigating a former sports field ahead of the construction of a new fire station.

7,000-YEAR-OLD BONES UNCOVERED AT CONSTRUCTION SITE IN STARTLING FIND

Archaeologists conducted follow-up excavations at the site in August 2026 — and confirmed that the 11 coins dated back to the first century B.C.

The hoard represented the largest known Celtic coin hoard from that period ever found in Thuringia.

The 11 coins, dating back to the first century B.C., were identified as a type of ancient Celtic currency known as Prague-type quinarii.

"Until now, only about 80 examples of these quinarii had been identified throughout Thuringia, underscoring the significance of the Singen hoard," the translated statement said.

WORKERS RENOVATING MAJOR CITY STREET STUMBLE ON ANCIENT DISCOVERY BURIED 20 FEET BELOW

"The mint responsible for producing the coins is believed to have been located in the Gotha region, to the northwest."

The Celts were groups of ancient people who lived across much of Europe during the Iron Age, with Celtic languages and traditions surviving today in places such as Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The coins were originally buried together in a container made of organic material that has since decomposed, archaeologists believe. The coins were found scattered across an area measuring roughly 19 feet by 5 feet — likely a result of plowing.

Officials described the discovery as a "closed find," suggesting that all the coins originally buried together were recovered.

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While just 11 coins may seem like a modest haul to some, archaeologists consider the discovery a treasure trove of information about the ancient world.

"Through the ongoing mapping of discoveries from the same period and cultural background, researchers can draw conclusions about ancient trade routes and production centers," the translated statement added.

"The Singen treasure hoard has significantly expanded our existing knowledge in this area."

Archaeologists also found an ancient Roman coin and a medieval glass bead — as well as a knife fragment, another silver coin and a Prussian uniform button from the 19th or 20th century.

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Officials also emphasized the broader significance of the discovery and the importance of proper archaeological practices.

"This once again demonstrates the importance of preserving the archaeological context of discoveries, in contrast to isolated metal finds recovered, for example, through improper or illegal metal detecting without documentation of their original locations," the statement concluded.

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Metal detectorists have made headlines for uncovering other ancient treasures across Europe.

Recently, a man using a metal detector in a German field discovered 934 ancient Roman silver coins dating back nearly 2,000 years.

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In Finland, a metal detectorist recently uncovered a massive Viking Age silver hoard containing an estimated 4,000 coins, along with jewelry and other artifacts.

Vacation spot slapped with US travel warning over crime, sexual assaults and kidnappings

20 October 2026 at 23:12

The U.S. State Department has escalated its travel warning for an East African nation popular for its wildlife safaris, urging Americans to reconsider visiting amid heightened health concerns and ongoing security threats.

The State Department on Monday raised its travel advisory for Kenya from Level 2, "Exercise Increased Caution," to Level 3, "Reconsider Travel."

Health risks and crime were cited among the reasons for the advisory, along with civil unrest, kidnapping, terrorism and traffic safety concerns.

AMERICANS WARNED OF KIDNAPPING, EXTORTION AS VIOLENT CRIME GRIPS PARTS OF TOURIST SPOT

"Prepare a will," the advisory added. "Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones."

Americans are urged to avoid certain neighborhoods in Nairobi and several counties across the country due to risks of crime, kidnapping and terrorism — as well as areas near the Ethiopian border due to unrest.

In its broader warning about the country, State Department officials said that violent crime "can occur at any time," noting that petty crime "is common" throughout Kenya.

The advisory also noted that solo travelers should exercise caution, and that some Americans have been sexually assaulted in bars, resorts and hotels.

"Local police often are unable to respond effectively to crimes," the advisory said.

SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND SCAMS PLAGUE TOP VACATION HOT SPOT, PROMPTING URGENT ADVISORY

The State Department also warned that Americans frequently fall victim to investment scams involving gold and other high-value commodities, with Kenyan authorities unlikely to help victims recover their losses.

"Property disputes are common in Kenya," added the warning.

"Americans who have bought land, churches and businesses have lost their investments or been pushed off the property by locals who claim the land or business."

Medical services in Kenya are limited, particularly in rural areas, with some facilities lacking essential medicines and equipment.

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"Except for a few private medical facilities based in the large urban centers with enhanced capability, many health issues may require medical evacuation at your own expense," officials said. "Medical facilities will usually deny service if payment is not made upfront."

The advisory also warned that protests can turn violent — with demonstrators previously attacking vehicles carrying Americans, including safari vehicles and motorcycle taxis.

Americans are urged to stay alert in tourist spots, keep a low profile and avoid demonstrations and crowds while visiting the country.

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Kenya is known around the world for its wildlife safaris, picturesque savannas and national parks, which all draw millions of international tourists each year.

The country attracted approximately 2.7 million international visitors in 2025, with travelers from the Americas accounting for 14% of arrivals, according to government tourism figures.

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Similar warnings have been issued for other popular international travel destinations.

Last month, the State Department updated its travel advisory for Peru, warning Americans about crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism.

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Meanwhile, travelers visiting Brazil have been cautioned about criminals targeting tourists at bars and through dating apps before drugging and robbing them.

Americans warned about Paris travel after violence, looting and tear gas-filled streets

20 October 2026 at 20:32

The U.S. Embassy in France is warning Americans to steer clear of violent protests as unrest sparked curfews and raised concerns about travel disruptions across the country.

The riots — fueled by a range of grievances, including rising living costs and mass migration — have been reported across France, with protests reported in cities including Paris, Lille and Lyon. Authorities have imposed localized curfews as a result.

The embassy said in a Monday statement that partial curfews had been introduced in several French cities, with additional restrictions possible.

MCDONALD'S RANSACKED AND WRECKED AS STORES, RESTAURANTS SUFFER FROM VIOLENCE AND RIOTING

"Following the October 17 protests that turned violent, media report the Prime Minister’s office introduced partial curfews for Monday, October 19 and Tuesday, October 20 in several cities across France, including Lille," the embassy said.

"Media report more curfews may follow for parts of Paris and in prefectures across the country, and that scattered protests could continue."

In Paris, authorities also imposed overnight curfews in areas including Place de la République and the Les Halles Shopping District, according to The Associated Press (AP).

Riot police deployed tear gas across the streets near Place de la République in an attempt to disperse crowds during the escalating street battles, the same source reported. 

ANGRY LOCALS BLOCK FAMOUS BEACH AS MASS TOURISM PROTESTS ESCALATE AT VACATION HOT SPOT

The gas quickly mixed with heavy, acrid smoke from torched vehicles and street fires, according to Reuters.

The chaos forced Dutch entrepreneur Tije De Boer, who was visiting Paris with his children, to evacuate his hotel at Place de la République. 

De Boer described the scene to Reuters as "like a war zone" following the intense protests that rocked the French capital on Oct. 17.

"It's like a war zone here," De Boer said, according to the Reuters report.

TOP TOURIST DESTINATION IN THE WORLD SHUTS DOWN AMID VIOLENT PROTESTS

Major tourist attractions have also been impacted.

The Louvre Museum in Paris was forced to close Monday after protesters blocked its entrances, Fox News Digital previously reported.

Travelers visiting Paris are being advised to avoid popular protest gathering spots, including Place de la République, Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation, along with major thoroughfares such as Boulevard Voltaire, which are frequently used for demonstrations, according to The Times of London.

Outside the capital, Lyon's tourism office at Place Bellecour was vandalized and set ablaze during the Oct. 17 demonstrations, according to city officials. 

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Visitor services have since been relocated to a temporary facility on the same square.

The violence also spread to other French cities, including Limoges, where the historic town hall was set ablaze during the Oct. 17 unrest, according to numerous reports. 

In Bordeaux, the mayor reported that as many as 100 stores had been looted during the demonstrations, Reuters reported.

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Despite the violence, flights to and from Paris have largely continued operating, according to flight data reviewed by Fox News Digital.

However, travelers could still face disruptions on the ground, with the embassy advising Americans to check for Metro station closures and other transportation interruptions before heading out.

The embassy also urged travelers to confirm flight schedules directly with their airlines and allow extra time to reach their destinations.

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"Monitor media and local resources for updated information and curfews in your area," the statement added. "Plan alternative routes and allow extra travel time for travel."

Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for comment.

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Fox News Digital's Jessica Mekles and Reuters contributed reporting.

Tourist killed in freak accident at landmark designed by one of America's most famous architects

20 October 2026 at 18:37

A tourist was killed in a freak accident while visiting an architectural landmark designed by one of America's greatest architects last week, according to authorities.

Rogério Renato Mateucci, 55, was killed around 2 p.m. on Friday when strong winds blew a piece of roofing material off a roof — striking him in the head.

Mateucci, the rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in Brazil, had been touring Taliesin West, a historic architectural landmark designed by famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

NURSE IMPALED BY POLE DURING HIKE FORCED TO TREK 10 MILES FOR HELP: 'A FREAK THING'

Taliesin West was built in 1937. It is now closed to the public, according to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation's website.

Joe Spector, CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, told Fox News Digital he was extending his "deepest condolences" to Mateucci's family and loved ones.

"The Scottsdale Police Department is aware of the incident, and no further details will be shared out of respect for privacy and to allow officials to complete their work," said Spector. 

"The property is closed to the public until further notice."

MASSIVE BISON RAMS PICKUP TRUCK IN YELLOWSTONE AFTER DRIVER TRIES TO AVOID COLLISION

A spokesperson for the Scottsdale Police Department confirmed the incident to Fox News Digital.

"The man was reportedly killed instantly and was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders," police said.

"He had been on a walking tour of the property with other people when the accident occurred."

The official added, "Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to investigate, but no foul play is suspected in this weather-related accident."

YELLOWSTONE OFFICIALS DECIDE FATE OF BISON THAT LAUNCHED GRANDFATHER 8 FEET IN AIR

In an Instagram post, the university announced Mateucci's death with "profound sadness."

The school canceled classes at three of its campuses on Oct. 17 and 19 and suspended administrative operations on Oct. 19 as it mourned his passing.

Vidal Martins, vice rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, told FOX 10 Phoenix that strong winds blew a piece of clear roofing material into their path, striking Brother Rogério in the head.

Mateucci was reportedly eager to visit the property, given his interest in art.

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"He loved the arts and architecture," Martins said.

Martins called the incident "deeply, deeply sad."

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"It’s hard to understand, it’s hard to accept," he said.

Martins also said Mateucci had a lasting impact on the community through his efforts to improve the lives of those around him, per FOX 10.

"He was a very kind person, someone that takes care of everybody. He was a religious man," he said.

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Frank Lloyd Wright, who lived from 1867 to 1959, is widely regarded as one of the most influential architects in American history.

His most notable works include Fallingwater in Pennsylvania and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

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Taliesin West served as his winter home and architectural studio.

'We're going to die': Passengers recount midair terror before emergency landing

20 October 2026 at 12:00

A passenger flight was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff following reports of a strange odor on board that left travelers fearing for their lives.

An American Airlines flight departed from St. Louis Lambert International Airport on Oct. 17, bound for Philadelphia, before turning back to the airport.

Gary Leff, a Texas-based aviation expert who founded the blog "View from the Wing," told Fox News Digital that engine oil entering an aircraft's air supply could potentially explain the odor, although the cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.

PROBE UNDERWAY AS 7 FLIGHT ATTENDANTS SICKENED BY BAFFLING ODOR ON MAJOR AIRLINE

"When that happens, you can get smoke, you can get vibration, you can get loud noises. It can also wind up making people ill," Leff said.

FlightAware data reviewed by Fox News Digital showed that the plane was in the air for 34 minutes before landing back at St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, American Airlines confirmed that the flight returned to St. Louis shortly after takeoff following a reported odor on board.

The airline said the aircraft landed safely and was taken out of service for inspection by its maintenance team.

The flight had already been delayed roughly two hours following a reported engine issue before passengers experienced trouble in the air, according to a couple who spoke to local outlet First Alert 4.

TRAVEL NIGHTMARE UNFOLDS AS MAJOR AIRLINE SCRAPS FLIGHT AFTER HARROWING 12-HOUR DELAY

The passengers — Tessa and Mark Springer of Waterloo, Illinois — were traveling to Pennsylvania for work when they heard a troubling noise coming from the back of the plane before takeoff.

"We heard just this really horrible noise coming from the back of the plane. It was like ... real loud buzzing, kind of [a] grinding sound," Mark Springer said.

Mark Springer said the pilot then announced there was a mechanical issue.

"The pilot comes back on and says, ‘Uh, there’s a problem with the engine on the airplane,’" the passenger added. "'We can’t get it started.'"

'WE THOUGHT WE WOULD DIE': PASSENGERS THROWN INTO CEILING DURING TERRIFYING FLIGHT

After the delay, the plane finally departed. But about 15 minutes into the flight, passengers experienced a sudden jolt that sent them lunging forward, according to Mark Springer.

"All of a sudden, the plane just felt like it hit a ... like in a car, when you slam on your brakes. ... Everybody kind of lunges forward like this," he said.

"And then, maybe a minute later, the plane just kind of goes boom and drops. … All of the oxygen masks fall. And we just kind of looked at each other like, is this serious? Is this real?" added Mark Springer.

Tessa Springer recalled fearing for her life as the plane turned back toward the airport, telling First Alert 4 she was terrified she would die.

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She texted her children, "Problem on our plane, love you guys," per the outlet.

"I was like, we’re going to die," Tessa Springer said.

The couple said that once they landed, they evacuated the plane by jumping from its wing, with fellow passengers helping catch one another as they made their way to the ground.

"I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get on another airplane ever again," Mark Springer said.

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Despite the frightening ordeal, Leff of "View from the Wing" said a lengthy delay due to a mechanical issue does not necessarily indicate that a flight is unsafe.

"Part of that delay is diagnosing, part of it's addressing it and part of it's getting all the paperwork right and just doing all the final readbacks and rechecks to make sure that everything is safe for departure," Leff said.

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"A long delay in and of itself is not a safety concern," he added.

Leff also noted that aircraft are equipped with multiple safety systems and emergency procedures designed to protect passengers when problems arise.

"There are tremendous redundancies of systems and emergency procedures in place, such that the cockpit crew immediately reacted, responded and got everyone on the ground and off the aircraft to safety," Leff said.

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"It's certainly not something that you want to go through — but even when something goes wrong, that doesn't mean that things end badly at all," he added.

Cause of death released for 3 who perished at Burning Man festival in Nevada

19 October 2026 at 23:51

Officials have disclosed the causes of death for three festivalgoers at this year's Burning Man event in Nevada, weeks after the annual gathering was rocked by multiple fatalities.

The causes of death ranged from cardiovascular disease to drug toxicity, according to local outlet KOLO 8 News, citing information from the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner's Office.

Burning Man, held annually in Nevada's Black Rock Desert, ran from Aug. 30 through Sept. 7 this year, with all three deaths occurring during the festival.

MISSING 72-YEAR-OLD HIKER FOUND ALIVE DAYS AFTER FRIGHTENING 100-FOOT FALL LEFT HER BADLY INJURED

One man, 62, of Santa Monica, California, was pronounced dead at the festival's Rampart Medical Center on Sept. 3 after suddenly collapsing, KOLO 8 reported.

His cause of death was determined to be hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Another man, 51, of Truckee, California, died in an ambulance on Sept. 4 after experiencing chest pain at the festival. 

GRIZZLY BEAR MAULS HIKER, DRAGS HIM DOZENS OF FEET ON GLACIER NATIONAL PARK TRAIL

His death was linked to methamphetamine and MDMA toxicity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, with chronic methamphetamine use also contributing, the same outlet said.

A third man, age 60, of Yuma, Arizona, was found dead in his vehicle.

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He was later determined to have died from cocaine and methamphetamine toxicity, with cardiovascular disease contributing, according to KOLO 8.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner's Office for additional information.

The festival draws tens of thousands of participants who gather to build a temporary city known as Black Rock City.

The festival emphasizes communal effort, self-reliance and self-expression, according to the organization. 

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The event culminates in the burning of a massive wooden effigy known as "the Man."

In a statement earlier in September, Burning Man organizers expressed condolences to the families of those who died and said the three deaths initially appeared to be from natural causes.

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"The deaths of three Burning Man participants in 2026 all appear to be from natural causes, but we defer to the medical examiner for official determinations," the organization said.

"We encourage and ask that people focus on the contributions of the individuals lost and avoid speculation about the circumstances of their passing out of respect for the participants and their families."

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Fox News Digital reached out to Burning Man for additional comment.

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