Newark Airport Reopens After Plane Fire, Emergency Evacuation

NEWARK, NJ -- Newark Liberty International Airport has reopened after an engine fire caused an emergency evacuation on the tarmac Tuesday night, the airport said in an announcement at 10:45 p.m. Five people sustained minor injuries in the emergency incident, and all passengers should expect delays for the rest of the night.

United Airlines, in a statement, confirmed it was flight 1579 departing from Newark to San Francisco that was grounded due to the engine fire. Flames were visible from one of the engines, and the crew "immediately" deployed the slides and evacuated the aircraft.

The flight was scheduled to take off at 8:26 p.m. The airport announced the closure around 9:45 p.m.

A passenger who was on the plane and shared photos via Twitter following the incident reported the plane was 18th on line to take off when the emergency occurred.

Passengers report being evacuated out of the plane's side doors on the tarmac using slides. One passenger shared this video:

This is a breaking story, check back for updates.

PHOTO: By Peter Webb, used with permission