American Airlines Plane Engine Catches Fire Before Takeoff

MIDLAND, TX – Passengers aboard an American Airlines jet were forced to evacuate on Sunday morning after an engine caught fire on a flight headed to DFW from Midland.

According to local media and passengers aboard the flight, the plane was scheduled to leave Midland Air Field at 6:20 a.m.

As the plane began to pull away from Gate 5 passengers began to smell smoke. According to officials the Bombardier CRJ900 "experienced a right engine fire at the terminal and was immediately evacuated."

"American Eagle flight 5757, operated by Mesa Airlines from Midland-Odessa, Texas (MAF) to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), encountered an engine-related issue prior to departure," said American Airlines in a statement. "The 43 passengers and four crew members deplaned via the forward stairs, and no injuries were reported. We are taking care of our customers and crew members, and are re-accommodating our passengers on other flights to DFW."

The fire was extinguished approximately 11 minutes later after the initial fire call was placed.