A United Airlines flight from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to Seattle was forced to abort takeoff due to an engine fire, temporarily disrupting arrivals at the busy airport during the Memorial Day travel rush.
A United Airlines flight from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to Seattle experienced a harrowing ordeal on Monday afternoon when an engine fire erupted during takeoff, prompting a halt in arrivals at the airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident, which involved United Flight 2091, an Airbus A320 aircraft carrying 148 passengers and five crew members.
The flight was poised to depart from O'Hare around 2 p.m. when an engine ignited, according to the FAA. The aircraft was swiftly evacuated back to the gate, with passengers disembarking normally. United Airlines reported that no injuries were sustained.
"We are working to make alternative travel arrangements for customers," United Airlines stated in a brief communique.
Alongside the emergency at O'Hare, the John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York, also implemented a ground stop by Air Traffic Control System Command Center.
The FAA clarified that arrivals into O'Hare were briefly suspended due to the incident, but operations have since resumed.
Airbus, the manufacturer of the A320 aircraft involved in the fire, and the Chicago Fire Department have been contacted for comment.
Amidst the busy Memorial Day travel period, the United Airlines engine fire underscores the importance of aviation safety and the swift response of airport authorities to such incidents.
