BriefingRoom BlogRoll

Delta flight makes emergency fuel dump near California playground, 23 possibly injured

At least 17 children and six adults suffered minor injuries after a Delta Air Lines flight reportedly made an emergency fuel dump Tuesday near a school playground near Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The Delta Air Lines flight reportedly made an emergency landing in Los Angeles following the fuel dump, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Delta Flight 89 was traveling from Los Angeles to Shanghai when it reported an engine malfunction and made the emergency fuel dump. The flight then returned safely to Los Angeles International Airport, according to initial Twitter claims.

Shortly thereafter, Los Angeles County fire officials confirmed they responded to calls pertaining to injuries at a Cudahy, Calif., elementary school, related to the incident. 

The Federal Aviation Administration is looking into reports that children and adults were exposed to fuel, according to “CBS Evening News” on Twitter.

Delta Air Lines senior coordinator Adrian Gee released an official statement regarding the incident on the 14th:


“Shortly after takeoff, Flight 89 from LAX to Shanghai experienced an engine issue requiring the aircraft to return quickly to LAX.”

Gee added, “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.”