American Airlines jet fire at O’Hare blamed on ‘engine-related issue’

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

UPDATE @ 6:25 p.m.: A passenger aboard an American Airlines flight from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to Miami that was forced to abort takeoff because of an engine-related mechanical issue said the plane was speeding down the runway when she heard an explosion.

Sarah Ahmed says after the blast she saw flames and black smoke.

Ahmed told WLS-TV everyone on the right side of the aircraft jumped from their seats and moved to the left side of the aircraft. She said the plane came to a quick stop and people began demanding that the doors be opened.

Ahmed said that within seconds, smoke entered the cabin and the fire was melting the windows.

UPDATE @ 5:40 p.m.

American Airlines said an engine malfunction on the Boeing 767 caused the fire and all passengers were evacuated safely, according to our CBS affiliate WBBM in Chicago.

The FAA issued a statement on Twitter citing a blown tire on the runway at approximately 2:35 p.m. aborted the takeoff.

According to WBBM, Flight 383 had 161 passengers and nine crew on board. There is a ground stop at the airport. The plane was located on runway 28R.

Eight people suffered minor injuries while evacuating, officials said.

UPDATE @ 4:23 p.m.

The FAA tweeted that American Airlines flight #383 headed for Miami, aborted take off at 2:35 p.m. after blowing a tire on the runway. It appears a wing and engine may have then caught fire.

Passengers were safely removed from the plane as fire crews extinguished the flames.

We checked Dayton International Airport for any Chicago departures or arrivals impacted. At this time, none have been delayed or cancelled.

FIRST REPORT

A plane on the runway at Chicago O’Hare Airport caught fire, but there are no reports of serious injuries. Multiple photographs of the thick black smoke surrounding the plane popped up on social media, but there are conflicting reports about the nature of the fire —if this was an actual accident with a passenger plane or training for fire and airport personnel.

We’ve contacted Chicago O’Hare Airport to confirm details of the incident and are awaiting a return call.

A tweet from the FAA states that a runway at O’Hare (ORD) is closed due to a disabled aircraft and delays are expected.

Continue to check this site for developments.

About the Author