Passenger evacuation panic as Chicago plane catches fire at take-off

A mechanical issue causes the Boeing 767 to burst into flames as the pilot is taking off, with 21 people receiving minor injuries.

Twenty-one people have been injured after a plane caught fire while attempting to take off from Chicago, Sky News reported on Saturday. 

The crew of the American Airlines Boeing 767 bound for Miami aborted take off from O'Hare airport following "an engine-related mechanical issue", according to airline spokesperson Leslie Scott. 

Television reports showed a large plume of black smoke spreading across the airport.

American Airlines said in a statement: "Twenty passengers and one flight attendant reported non-critical injuries. Several were transported to Chicago-area hospitals to be evaluated."

Source: MENA