Chicago O’Hare International Airport: American Airlines 767 caught fire on runway

The right-side engine of an American Airlines Boeing 767 stopped working Friday during an attempted departure, sending out particles as far as a half mile and travelers fast down emergency slides onto a runway at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

3 sources knowledgeable about the unfolding investigation informed CNN the General Electric engine suffered an obvious “uncontained” failure.

The 161 frightened travelers and 9 crew members rushed to security Friday afternoon after big flames appeared on the right of the airplane.

Airport fire Chief Timothy Sampey stated teams reacted to a report of a No. 2 engine on fire. The airplane, which had stopped well prior to completion of the runway, had about 43,000 pounds of fuel.

“This might have been definitely devastating if it took place later on,” he stated.

About 20 individuals were referred to the medical facility with small injuries that took place throughout the evacuation down the emergency slides, District Chief Juan Hernandez stated. There were individuals with small bruising or hurt ankles, he stated. None of the injuries were triggered by the fire.

American Airlines spokesperson Leslie Scott stated Flight 383 was bound for Miami when it terminated takeoff because of an engine-related concern.