Several Children Reportedly Doused With Fuel After Aircraft Bound For Shanghai Is Forced To Return To KLAX

A Boeing 777 operating as Delta Flight 89 departing from Los Angeles non-stop to Shanghai, China Tuesday developed an engine problem shortly after takeoff and was forced to return to KLAX fully loaded with fuel.

Before landing, the crew was forced to dump fuel from the aircraft, and due to the emergency, the fuel dump occurred over populated areas, including Park Avenue Elementary School in Cudahy, CA. The Los Angeles Times reports that several students and adults who were outside at the time were doused with fuel from the airplane.

In all, the paper reports that 20 children and nine adults were affected by the dumped fuel, which caused skin irritation.

Delta acknowledged the incident in a statement released Tuesday night. “Shortly after takeoff, Flight 89 from LAX to Shanghai experienced an engine issue requiring the aircraft to return quickly to LAX,” Delta said in the statement. “The aircraft landed safely after a release of fuel, which was required as part of normal procedure to reach a safe landing weight. Delta is in touch with Los Angeles World Airports and the L.A. County Fire Department as well as community leaders, and shares concerns regarding reports of minor injuries to adults and children at schools in the area.”

The LA Times reports that the fuel also fell on students and adults at Tweedy Elementary School, San Gabriel Elementary School and Graham Elementary School. In all, some 60 people were treated by first responders in connection with the incident, though none were transported to the hospital, according to the report.

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report