British Airways Plane Catches Fire

A British Airways plane bound for London has caught fire at Las Vegas airport, forcing the evacuation of 172 people on board on emergency slides.

BBC reports that airport officials said at least 14 people were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

US Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said the left engine of the Boeing 777-200 caught fire before take-off.

The plane was seen engulfed in flames and smoke. The fire was later put out.

Just landed in Vegas to see this…plane on fire on the Tarmac…people still onboard and running off! pic.twitter.com/ul10hFFw9j

— David L. Somers (@DL_Somers) September 8, 2015

In a statement, British Airways said the aircraft “experienced a technical issue as it was preparing for take-off”.

In a distress call the plane’s captain asked for the airport’s emergency services: “Speedbird Mayday Mayday. Speedbird 2276 request fire services.”

“Speedbird 2276 heavy, we are evacuating on the runway. We have a fire, repeat, we are evacuating,” he adds.