CHICAGO – An American Airlines plane suffered a mechanical issue and then part of the plane caught fire on the tarmac at O’Hare International Airport Friday afternoon, forcing the passengers on board to evacuate by the emergency chutes.
American Airlines said the plane aborted takeoff due to an “engine-related mechanical issue,” and the 161 passengers and 9 crew deplaned on the runway. They will be transported back to the terminal in buses.
Bound for Miami, American Airlines flight 383 aborted takeoff around 2:35 PM, according to the FAA.
At least six ambulances were called to the scene, although it remains unclear if there were any injuries.
The runway has been closed as the FAA investigates. Anyone flying through O’Hare should expect delays.
A spokesperson for American Airlines released a statement saying:
American Airlines flight 383, a 767 bound for Miami, aborted take off due to an engine-related mechanical issue. The 161 passengers and 9 crew deplaned on the runway and buses are enroute to pick up the passengers and bring them back to the terminal.
Commuters at O’Hare are posting photos and videos to social media of the scene.
More photos from the tarmac in Chicago pic.twitter.com/VJ3ozzn5S6
— Jose Castillo (@Kryptonlogic) October 28, 2016
Here's a video of the plane on the tarmac in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/1RgsDz7bxN
— Jose Castillo (@Kryptonlogic) October 28, 2016
Plane on fire on runway at O'Hare pic.twitter.com/0rmW2SqFYF
— Mike Lauletta (@mlauletta) October 28, 2016
This is a developing story. Check back here for more updates.