A flight that was meant to take off from Atlantic City International Airport to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was accelerating when “what is believed to be a large bird” flew through the engine and caused the fire, Spirit Airlines said in a statement.
“The captain braked safely, received an indication of damage to the engine, and ordered an evacuation in accordance with our standard procedures,” the airline said. “All Guests and Team Members evacuated the aircraft and were bussed back to the terminal.”