A Spirit Airlines plane caught fire on the runway of the Atlantic City International Airport and had to be evacuated Saturday.
Spirit Airlines flight 3044 from Atlantic City to Fort Lauderdale was accelerating for takeoff when it hit what airline officials believe was a large bird, the airline said in a statement.
“The captain braked safely and brought the plane to a stop, received an indication of damage to the engine, and ordered an evacuation in accordance with our standard procedures,” Spirit said.
The 102 passengers and seven crewmembers evacuated safely.
Real Brigantine posted video of passengers going down the inflatable evacuation slide.
Two people reported minor injuries, according to the statement.
The airport was closed Saturday evening as National Transportation Safety Board officials and the Federal Aviation Administration investigated, the South Jersey Transportation Authority said in a statement.
Spirit said the passengers will receive refunds and a future travel voucher. They also had the option of taking a different flight to Florida.
