Engine fire forces evacuation of JAL plane in snow in Japan

TOKYO – An engine fire before takeoff has forced the evacuation of a Japan Airlines jet in snowy northern Japan.

National broadcaster NHK showed video of passengers sliding down chutes Tuesday as snow fell on the tarmac at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. NHK reported that one woman sustained a minor hip injury.

The broadcaster says the Japan Airlines Boeing 737 with 159 passengers and six crew members was evacuated before takeoff after smoke entered the cabin.

The domestic flight was bound for Fukuoka in southern Japan.