14 hurt as UK-bound British Airways plane catches fire on Las Vegas runway

More than a dozen people have been hurt after a London-bound British Airways plane caught fire on a runway at a Las Vegas airport.

The left engine of the Boeing 777-200 burst into flames at McCarran International Airport, forcing 159 passengers and 13 crew to evacuate through emergency slides.

The airport said all passengers and crew had made it off the plane and two passengers were initially taken to hospital with minor injuries.

At a press conference, an airport spokeswoman told reporters 14 people had been treated for minor injuries.

She added: "All passengers were evacuated quickly and safely and taken by bus to the terminal.

"We cannot express enough gratitude to the emergency response crews, as well as the British Airways crew.

"As facts become available, information will be provided."

The National Transportation Safety Board would be investigating the incident, the spokeswoman said.

The plane was set to depart for Gatwick when the crew noticed the fire and evacuated all on board.

Jacob Steinberg, a Guardian sports reporter who was on the flight, said the captain told passengers there had been a "catastrophic" engine failure.

He tweeted: "Just evacuated on a British Airways flight at Las Vegas airport after an engine caught fire. Don't think anyone hurt.

"Was asleep as the plane took off. Came to a crashing halt. Smell of smoke. Initially told to stay seated, then shout of evacuate.

"Could smell and see smoke but was on other side of plane. One person said fire melted a couple of windows.

"They opened the back door and slide went down and smoke started coming in plane, followed by mad dash to front. A lot of panic."

He added: "A few have cuts and bruises from the slide down. They've been bandaged up. One young woman was taken away by paramedics, but looked OK."