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60 treated for injuries after plane dumps fuel while flying over schools

Posted at 2:16 PM, Jan 14, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-15 13:43:53-05

Fire crews and several ambulances responded to six Los Angeles-area schools Tuesday after a plane reportedly dumped fuel while flying over the area.

60 people at six schools were treated by first responders. No one suffered major injuries, and no one was hospitalized form the inicdent.

A Delta plane bound for China experienced an engine issue shortly after takeoff and was forced to return to LAX. As it prepared for landing, it dumped excess fuel in the area above the schools.

According to the FAA, planes making an emergency landing need to dump excess fuel so the aircraft can reach a safe weight for landing. However, the FAA designates that fuel be dumped over certain underpopulated areas, and at high altitudes so the fuel can dissipate before landing.