Engine smoke evacuates Delta plane

By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Smoke coming from the right engine forced a Delta Air Lines flight to be evacuated before takeoff Saturday afternoon in Atlanta.

The 138 passengers aboard Flight 1016 exited the plane on the taxiway, according to Carlos Santos, Delta spokesman. The incident happened shortly after 3 p.m. at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

There were some reports of flames, Santos said. No injuries were reported. The incident on the MD88, bound for Philadelphia,  is still under investigation.

All of the passengers were reassigned to other flights and should arrive in Philadelphia later Saturday evening, Santos said.