WABC-TV(NEWARK, N.J.) — Newark Liberty International Airport was temporarily closed on Tuesday night after a plane engine caught fire.
Emergency chutes were deployed from United 1579 and passengers evacuated after “flames were reported coming from the right side of the engine,” according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Boeing 757 was headed to San Francisco from Newark, New Jersey, when the control tower notified the United Airlines crew of the apparent flames while the plane was taxiing, United spokesman Jonathan Guerin said in a statement.
“Customers are being transported back to the terminal,” the statement said. “We are working to get our customers to San Francisco as soon as possible.”
There were five minor injuries, according to Newark Airport.
The airport said it was closed for the safety of passengers and to expect delays. It was reopened a few hours later.
Emergency response teams at #EWR; plane with reported engine fire. No reported injuries. Airport closed for passenger safety.Expect delays.
— Newark Airport (@EWRairport) May 24, 2017
#EWR has reopened after earlier incident of plane with apparent engine fire. Reports of 5 minor injuries. Expect delays remainder of night.
— Newark Airport (@EWRairport) May 24, 2017
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