• Flight to New Jersey makes emergency return after engine incident
• All passengers and crew are safe, and an investigation is underway.

A flight bound for New Jersey was forced to return to Los Angeles International Airport for an emergency landing after a fire broke out in the plane’s left engine, authorities said.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the aircraft returned about an hour after takeoff, though the exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

In a separate statement, the airline said the flight landed safely and passengers evacuated using emergency slides and stairways before being transported by buses to the terminal.

The airline confirmed that all 256 passengers and 12 crew members were unharmed, adding that the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The airline also arranged an alternate flight to take passengers to their final destination, praising the quick and professional response of the pilots and crew in ensuring passenger safety.