A plane carrying Arsenal women’s players back to the UK after their Champions League match caught fire on the runway, it has been reported.
On Sunday, the team drew 2-2 with Wolfsburg, and it is reported that at around 7.30pm they were due to fly back to London but an engine caught fire.
According to Bild, the left engine of the Boeing 737 they were travelling on caught fire during take-off.
Witnesses said they heard a loud bang and the pilot had to abort the take-off but was able to manoeuvre into the parking position on his own.
An airport spokesman said a bird strike could have been the cause of the fire, and that it is likely several birds got into the turbine and started the fire.
Emergency services rushed to the scene but did not have to take action, it was claimed.
It is believed no-one was injured in the incident.
The players spent an extra night in a nearby hotel last night and were due to be flown to London on a replacement plane today.
An Arsenal spokesperson said: ‘Our aircraft developed a technical issue prior to take-off in Germany on Sunday evening.
‘As a result, we remained in Wolfsburg overnight on Sunday before flying back to England on Monday afternoon.
‘We would like to thank the staff onboard the aircraft and on the ground at the airport for their assistance.’
This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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