TOKYO – 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.
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