Jet returning to LAX for emergency landing dumps fuel on school playground; 17 children treated

Associated Press
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020 4:34 p.m. | Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020 4:34 p.m.

2188291_web1_2188291-e57472969b2d46b899b052fac3d74eba

In this photo from video, Delta Air Lines Flight 89 to Shanghai, China dumps fuel over Los Angeles before returning to Los Angeles International Airport for an emergency landing Tuesday.

CUDAHY, Calif. — Jet fuel dumped by an aircraft returning to Los Angeles International Airport fell onto an elementary school playground where children were playing Tuesday, fire officials said.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department said firefighters assessed 17 children and nine adults who complained of minor injuries and none needed to be taken to a hospital.

There were no evacuation orders for the immediate area.

UPDATE: 23 people, including 17 children, treated for minor injuries after plane dumps fuel on approach to Los Angeles International Airport https://t.co/ar29khgCRJ

— BNO News (@BNONews) January 14, 2020

The Los Angeles Unified School District said in a statement that the incident happened at Park Avenue Elementary just before noon.

“Students and staff were on the playground at the time and may have been sprayed by fuel or inhaled fumes,” the district said.

Paramedics were immediately called to treat anyone complaining of “skin irritation or breathing problems,” it said.

UPDATE*** Patient count updated to 17 children, 9 adults. All minor injuries w/ no transports to local hospital from school. There are no evacuation orders for the immediate area. Substance was confirmed JET FUEL.

Refer to school regarding plans for child pick-up. #LACoFD

— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) January 14, 2020

The district’s environmental health and safety office also responded.

The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that Delta Air Lines Flight 89 headed to Shanghai, China, declared an emergency after leaving Los Angeles International Airport, returned and landed without incident.

News footage at the scene showed numerous police and emergency vehicles at the school. It is located about 13 miles miles east of Los Angeles.

Delta Air Lines said in a statement that Flight 89 “experienced an engine issue requiring the aircraft to return to LAX. The aircraft landed safely after an emergency fuel release to reduce landing weight.”