Delta jet approaching LAX dumps fuel on playground, injuring 20 kids

A Delta airplane returning to Los Angeles International Airport on Tuesday morning dumped jet fuel on an elementary school playground, hitting several students.

Shortly after takeoff, Flight 89 "experienced an engine issue requiring the aircraft to return to LAX," Delta spokesperson Adrian Gee said. "The aircraft landed safely after an emergency fuel release to reduce landing weight." The fuel was dumped over Park Avenue Elementary School in Cudahy, and hit several students and staffers who were on the playground.

Firefighters said 20 children and 11 adults sustained minor injuries; all were treated at the scene. Josue Burgos, a sixth grade student at Park Avenue Elementary, told the Los Angeles Times he was in P.E. class when he felt the sensation of rain on his skin. He had fuel on his shirt, sweater, and shorts, and it "smelled bad. It wasn't water." Jack Guerrero, a member of the Cudahy City Council, said he is "calling for a full federal investigation into the matter, and expect[s] full accountability from responsible parties."

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