United 787 Returns to LAX After Engine Fire; All 268 Evacuate Safely

United Airlines Flight 2127, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, returned to Los Angeles International Airport shortly after takeoff March 2 following reports of a left engine fire. The crew declared an emergency approximately 15 minutes into the flight and diverted back to LAX, landing at 11:29 a.m., according to the Los Angeles Times.

The aircraft was evacuated via slides and airstairs on the taxiway with all 268 people aboard exiting safely, though one passenger sustained a minor finger cut, Business Insider reported. Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters monitored the engine for an hour after landing while a brief ground stop at LAX was quickly lifted.

United Airlines said the emergency was prompted by a possible engine fire and expressed gratitude to the flight crew for their quick actions. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it will investigate the incident, though the exact cause remains undetermined, AeroTime noted.