Engine fire forces aircraft passengers to evacuate in Japan
Tokyo - An engine on a Japan Airlines jet caught fire Tuesday minutes before takeoff, prompting passengers to evacuate at an airport in northern Japan, authorities said.
Two of the 159 passengers were injured during the evacuation from the Boeing 737 aircraft, according to the airline and the Transport Ministry.
The aircraft's right engine caught fire and smoke entered the cabin, they said.
The plane was scheduled to fly from New Chitose Airport on the island of Hokkaido to the south-western city of Fukuoka.
- DPA
