United flight to New Jersey returns to LAX due to engine issue; plane evacuated

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A United Airlines flight was forced to evacuate at LAX just before 11:20 a.m. Monday over reports of an engine fire, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

A live camera view showed the aircraft on the airfield as smoke was seen near one of its engines. The engine was still smoking roughly 40 minutes later.

United Airlines Flight 2127 had departed LAX for Newark when one of the engines caught fire. Video from the scene shows the Boeing 787 stopped on the runway as smoke poured from its left engine, and evacuation slides were deployed. Passengers can be seen running away from the aircraft while emergency vehicles surrounded the plane.

Nanette Dib, a traveler who was on a different United flight that landed near the aircraft with the engine problem, said passengers on her plane were given limited information as events unfolded.

“They told us that there was some sort of emergency and that’s why we couldn’t get out of the plane straight away,” Dib said.

Dib said there was an announcement instructing passengers on her plane to close their window shades as the situation developed nearby.

Travelers on other planes landing nearby described the scene as alarming.

“It was crazy, we saw fire trucks and police cars everywhere. We didn’t know what was happening because there was no announcement. It was definitely chaotic and scary,” said Francesca Nardelli, another traveler.

A ground stop was issued at LAX due to the aircraft emergency, but it has since been lifted.

A total of 256 passengers were evacuated along with 12 crew members, and one person suffered a cut to their finger.

Passengers deplaned via slides and airstairs before being bused to the terminal, United said in a statement. They added that they were working to get passengers to their final destinations.

The FAA released the following statement:

“United Airlines Flight 2127 returned safely to Los Angeles International Airport around 11:20 a.m. local time on Monday, March 2, due to a left engine issue. Passengers deplaned on a taxiway. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was heading to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The FAA will investigate. Please contact the airline and airport for additional information.”