LOS ANGELES — Some 60 children and adults had to be treated by emergency crews after firefighters say a Delta jet dumped fuel over two California elementary schools as it was flying back to Los Angeles International Airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that Delta Air Lines Flight 89 declared an emergency after departing Los Angeles International Airport, returned to the airport and landed without incident.
Caught this in Bell Gardens over my house NEWS SAID IT DROPPED FUEL OVER AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN CUDAHY @KTLA @FOXLA @cnnbrk @UniNoticias @NBCLA @ABC7 @ABC @NBCNews @TelemundoNews pic.twitter.com/VG3HBpyYtn
— Sujey Hernandez (@SujeyHernandez) January 14, 2020
The schools are located in Cuday and South Los Angeles, California, according to KABC-TV.
MCI | FS163 | 8000 Park Ave #Cudahy | BN 13 and 3 units on-scene elementary school assessing multiple patients after apparent fuel dump by aircraft on final approach to LAX hits playground.
— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) January 14, 2020
Delta released a statement, saying:
“Shortly after takeoff, Flight 89 from LAX to Shanghai experienced an engine issue requiring the aircraft to return quickly to LAX. The aircraft landed safely after a release of fuel, which was required as part of normal procedure to reach a safe landing weight. We are in touch with Los Angeles World Airports and the LA County Fire Department and share concerns regarding reported minor injuries to adults and children at a school in the area.”
UPDATE*** 70 firefighters and paramedics on-scene and committed to providing care for those injured. FFs working to confirm substance dropped by aircraft, although initial reports stated smell of jet fuel in area.
— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) January 14, 2020
There were no evacuation orders for the immediate area.
The Los Angeles Unified School District said in a statement that the incident happened at Park Avenue Elementary just before noon.
“Students and staff were on the playground at the time and may have been sprayed by fuel or inhaled fumes,” the district said.
More people were exposed to the jet fuel at 93rd Street Elementary School, according to KABC-TV.
The districts said a total of 60 patients were evaluated between the two schools.
The Associated Press and KABC-TV contributed to this article.
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