Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Passengers on a Delta flight headed to Minneapolis had to evacuate using emergency slides after an aborted takeoff at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Friday (January 10). The Boeing 757-300, carrying 201 passengers, two pilots, and five flight attendants, experienced an engine issue shortly after 9 a.m., prompting the evacuation.
“On takeoff, something went wrong, and [the] engine caught fire,” passenger Curtis James told CNN. “Had to emergency evacuate the plane.”
Four passengers sustained minor injuries, with one transported to a hospital and three treated at the scene.
Delta Airlines stated, "Nothing is more important than the safety of our people and customers, and we apologize to our customers for their experience."
The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the engine issue, though it is unclear if the snowfall contributed to the problem.
The incident occurred amid a winter storm that has severely impacted Atlanta, leading to over 400 flight cancellations and numerous delays. A ground stop on Delta departures to Atlanta is in effect until at least 2 p.m., affecting flights nationwide.
A winter storm warning remains in effect for the region until Saturday morning.