AVIATION/ ENGINE FIRE FORCES DELTA 757 RETURN TO ATLANTA

A DELTA AIRLINES Boeing 757 had to make an emergency return to Atlanta, Georgia, late last night, due to an engine fire. Airport officials said 3 passengers suffered minor injuries during the emergency evacuation. Delta Flight 1323 from Atlanta, Georgia, to Los Angeles, California, with 174 passengers and crew onboard, had departed Atlanta at 11:51pm. During its initial climb, the crew declared an emergency, reporting a left hand engine fire indication. They then levelled off at about 4200 feet and landed safely back in Atlanta, about 10 minutes after their initial departure. Shortly thereafter, the crew ordered an immediate evacuation via the slides, at which time the 3 passengers suffered minor injuries. Emergency Services responded to the aircraft and attended to the left hand engine. The injured passengers were treated and released on scene. According to media reports from Atlanta, the left hand engine is charred and suffered substantial damages. The NTSB and FAA have opened an investigation.