Newark airport closed after engine fire prompts plane evacuation

[WASHINGTON] Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey temporarily shut down late on Tuesday after an engine fire prompted the evacuation of an airplane, officials said.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

The airport is a major international hub near New York City.

"Newark Airport is temporarily closed due to deployment of emergency chutes on a plane with an apparent engine fire," a post on the airport's official Twitter account said. "No injuries reported."

A passenger posted video of the plane on the tarmac surrounded by vehicles with flashing lights. "Just had to evacuate my @united flight using the slide," the user tweeted using the handle @lo-toney.

United Airlines Flight 1579 bound for San Francisco halted its take-off as it was taxiing on the runway, local media reported. It was due to depart at 9.22pm.

AFP