A Japan Airlines Boeing 737 sits on the snow-covered tarmac after more than 160 passengers and crew slid down emergency chutes in snow due to an engine fire at New Chitose Airport in Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island. Japanese media said the engine fire forced the domestic flight with 159 passengers and six crew members bound for Fukuoka in southern Japan to abort takeoff and smoke entered the cabin. (Daisuke Suzuki/Kyodo News via AP) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT
The Associated Press
TOKYO (AP) - More than 160 passengers and crew slid down emergency chutes in swirling snow Tuesday after engine smoke forced a Japan Airlines domestic flight to abort takeoff and smoke entered the cabin, Japanese media reported.
National broadcaster NHK showed video of the passengers evacuating and then gathering on the snow-covered tarmac at New Chitose Airport, which serves the city of Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island.
At least four passengers were injured during the evacuation and taken to a hospital, Kyodo News agency said, citing rescue officials.
Kyodo said that the engine stalled after sucking in snow, and that there was an explosive sound when a pilot restarted it.
The Boeing 737 with 159 passengers and six crew members was bound for Fukuoka in southern Japan.
Japan Airlines' Boeing 737 passenger plane sits on the snow-covered tarmac after passengers and crew slid down emergency chutes at New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, northern Japan, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. More than 160 passengers and crew slid down emergency chutes in swirling snow after an engine fire forced the Japan's domestic flight to abort takeoff and smoke entered the cabin, Japanese media reported. (Daisuke Suzuki/Kyodo News via AP) JAPAN OUT, CREDIT MANDATORY
The Associated Press