Horrified parents and children leave school after jet fuel was dumped on Park Avenue Elementary School. Photo / Scott Varley, AP
Horrified parents and children leave school after jet fuel was dumped on Park Avenue Elementary School. Photo / Scott Varley, AP
A plane coming in to land at Los Angeles International Airport has dumped jet fuel on a primary school playground, resulting in "multiple patients".
The Shanghai-bound aircraft operated by Delta Airlines appears to dump the fuel across the playground, which is now being assessed by officials, the Los Angeles County Fire Department says.
At least three fire units were on the scene at Park Avenue Elementary School in Cudahy after midday on Tuesday (local time).
The incident affected a number of other schools including Jordan High School and 93rd Street Elementary, police said.
Fire fighters and paramedics attend Park Avenue Elementary School where a jet fuel incident injured 44. Photo / AP, Scott Varley
Later in the day, the department said a total of 44 patients had been evaluated across multiple schools.
Children cover their faces after multiple people were treated for jet fuel exposure at Park Avenue Elementary School in Los Angeles. Photo / AP, Scott Varley
There were 20 children and 11 adult patients at Park Avenue, six patients at Tweedy Elementary School and six patients at San Gabriel Elementary School, both in South Gate, and one adult patient at Graham Elementary School
None of the patients were transported to hospital.
Inspector Henry Narvaez said the fuel had dissipated by the time it reached the ground but the children and adults could smell it.
UPDATE*** All PTs below evaluated by FF and released w/ minor inj-denying xport to hosp. Park Ave Elem #Cudahy 31 patients (20 children & 11 adults) | Tweedy Elem #SouthGate 6 patients | Graham Elem #FlorenceGraham 1 adult patient | San Gabriel Elementary #SouthGate 6 patients
LA School Police said Jordan High School resumed to "normal operations" until 3pm while students were dismissed for the day from 93rd Street Elementary.
Downey Fire Department advised those in the northern and western parts of Downey to close their doors and windows to keep any odour out.
"The tiny fuel droplets will evaporate quickly," the department said in a text to residents.
We have units responding to calls for service in regards to the fuel dumping from an aircraft making an emergency landing at LAX. A reverse 911 phone message has been sent out. Please close all doors & windows. pic.twitter.com/Vdk752PhUUpic.twitter.com/cNueSzdkxC
Make-up artist Sujey Hernandez, who claims she was in the area at the time of the incident, uploaded footage to Twitter shot by her son, Ivan, that appears to show the streams of fuel spilling from the aircraft wings.
Park Avenue sixth-grader Diego Martinez said he and his classmates were outside for their physical education class when they saw the airplane flying low overhead.
Shortly afterwards the air filled with the pungent smell of fuel.
"It was very strong," the 12-year-old said.
Fox 11 reports the aircraft, Delta 89, was forced to turn back minutes after takeoff.
In a statement provided to news.com.au, a spokesperson for the airline said the plane experienced "engine issues" requiring an "emergency fuel release".
44 were injured at Park Avenue Elementary School, under the flightpath of an LAX bound jet. Photo / AP
"Shortly after takeoff, Flight 89 from LAX to Shanghai experienced an engine issue requiring the aircraft to return to LAX," the statement read.
"The aircraft landed safely after an emergency fuel release to reduce landing weight."
Los Angeles Unified School District said the plane discharged fuel "while flying over our schools".
"Students and staff may have been sprayed by fuel or inhaled fumes. Paramedics are treating those complaining of skin irritation or breathing problems," LAUSD said on Twitter.
An airplane making an emergency landing today at #LAX discharged fuel while flying over our schools. Students and staff may have been sprayed by fuel or inhaled fumes. Paramedics are treating those complaining of skin irritation or breathing problems. Info will be updated.
The Federal Aviation Administration is "thoroughly investigating" the incident, noting "there are special fuel-dumping procedures for aircraft operating into and out of any major US airport".
The procedures call for fuel to be dumped over "designated unpopulated areas", the FAA said.
