Spirit Airlines flight to South Florida delayed after bird strike caused engine fire just before take off

A Spirit Airlines The flight to Fort Lauderdale was delayed Saturday night after a bird was sucked into the engine as the plane waited for take-off, New Jersey fire officials said.

The plane was scheduled to take off from Atlantic City International Airport just before 6 p.m. when the bird flew into the engine, causing the engine to fire, according to the airline.

Photos and video show the engine ignited as the plane slows to a stop on the runway. Additional video shows passengers exiting the plane via the inflatable emergency evacuation slide as crews work to extinguish the blaze. No one on the plane was injured.

“The captain safely braked and brought the aircraft to a stop, received an indication of engine damage and ordered an evacuation in accordance with our standard procedures,” the airline said in a statement.

“All the guests and team members evacuated the plane and were taken back by bus to the terminal. We congratulate our crew for handling the situation quickly and safely, ”the statement continued.

Passengers will receive a full refund, a future travel voucher and the option to fly to Fort Lauderdale on another plane on Sunday, the airline said.

This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have news alerts sent straight to your inbox.

Austen Erblat can be contacted at [email protected], 954-599-8709 or on Twitter @AustenErblat.