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ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) — A Brussels Airlines jetliner carrying about 150 people aborted its takeoff from Abidjan's airport Wednesday night, and several passengers suffered minor injuries during making an emergency evacuation.

One of the pilots of the Airbus A330 told the passengers he had stopped the takeoff after hearing a loud popping sound that he thought was a tire exploding. A fire truck raced to the runway and quickly extinguished one burning tire.

The pilot initially told passengers to remain in their seats. But suddenly the crew started shouting, "Evacuate! Evacuate!" The doors of the plane opened, and everyone hurried down the emergency slides.

Several passengers suffered minor injuries such as bruises and sprained ankles during the evacuation about 9 p.m.

The passengers initially ran into a grassy area alongside the runway, then some walked to the terminal while others rode on airport vehicles.

With the halted plane blocking the runway, officials closed the airport to all incoming and outgoing flights.

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