Nearly 200 Ryanair passengers evacuated after plane catches fire

No injuries have been reported.

The incident occurred just as the flight was ready to take-off from Brindisi Airport in Italy when flames erupted from the engine.

The plane aborted its departure and 184 passengers on board were evacuated using the inflatable slide as firefighters tended to the blaze.

Nearly 200 Ryanair passengers evacuated after plane catches fire

A spokesperson for the airport said: "Aeroporti di Puglia announces that due to a problem with a departing aircraft, it was necessary to close the Salento Airport in Brindisi.

"The problem, which occurred when the aircraft was already aligned at the head for take-off, required the evacuation of passengers via emergency slides.

"All operations were carried out with maximum safety for passengers and crew. The passengers are already at the airport where they are being assisted by Aeroporti di Puglia personnel.

"The company's technicians are working on the interventions within their competence and necessary so that Aeroporti di Puglia can proceed with the subsequent checks on the usability of the runway and proceed with the reopening of the airport."

It was reported that cabin crew aboard the flight first noticed black fumes come from the right engine of the plane.

No significant injuries have been reported from the incident.

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