A United Airlines flight, bound for Seattle, was forced to abort its takeoff from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on Monday after one of its engines ignited. The incident, which occurred around 2 p.m., resulted in a plume of smoke billowing from one of the aircraft’s wings, as captured in a dramatic video taken from the tarmac.
The flight in question, United Flight 2091, was carrying 148 passengers and five crew members aboard an Airbus 320. The engine’s sudden combustion on the taxiway led to the immediate evacuation of all on board after the plane was towed back to the gate. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and United Airlines confirmed the incident in separate statements.
A passenger on the plane, Ivan Paloalto, managed to film the incident from inside the aircraft. His footage showed thick smoke emanating from one of the wings as the plane moved along the tarmac. Paloalto reported hearing an explosion as the plane was preparing for takeoff. He described feeling the impact on his window and seeing the engine ablaze with smoke pouring out.
In response to the incident, the FAA temporarily suspended arrivals at the Chicago airport, disrupting one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Normal operations resumed at 2:45 p.m., according to the agency.
United Airlines reported no injuries from the incident. The airline stated that the engine problem was “immediately addressed” by first responders and passengers were able to deplane “normally.” The airline is currently arranging alternative travel plans for the affected passengers.
The incident at O’Hare wasn’t the only travel disruption over the Memorial Day weekend. JFK International Airport in New York also experienced a temporary ground stop on Monday due to severe thunderstorms in the area.