Atlantic City, NJ – Atlantic City International Airport was shut down on Saturday after a large bird struck the engine of Spirit Airlines flight 3044. The plane was forced to stop on the runway during takeoff as a fire erupted in the plane’s starboard engine.
The plane was evacuated and according to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, there were no serious injuries. Inside the plane, bound for Fort Lauderdale, passengers began shouting to the flight crew, “The plane’s on fire!”
Others were screaming, “Fire!”
“We’re closely monitoring an aircraft incident that happened tonight at @ACYAirport,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted. “All passengers and crew were successfully evacuated off the plane, and no serious injuries were reported. The airport has reopened.”
,”Spirit Airlines flight 3044 from Atlantic City to Fort Lauderdale encountered what is believed to be a large bird while accelerating for takeoff in Atlantic City, which entered one of the plane’s engines,” the company 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. All Guests and Team Members evacuated the aircraft and were bussed back to the terminal. We commend our crew for handling the situation swiftly and safely. Our Guests will receive full refunds, a future travel voucher, and the option of traveling to Fort Lauderdale on another plane tonight.”
Passengers were evacuated from the plane