Emergency Slides Used to Evacuate Chicago-Bound American Airlines Plane in DFW

Preliminary reports indicate there are three minor injuries, according to airline officials

Three Chicago-bound American Airlines passengers suffered minor injuries Thursday when they were evacuated via emergency chutes moments before the jet was to pull away from the gate at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

American Airlines Flight 1658 to Chicago O'Hare International Airport was scheduled to leave Gate A14 at D/FW at 11:35 a.m. but was instead evacuated after smoke was reported in the cabin, according to an airline spokesperson.

At least five emergency exit doors were opened, including two emergency exits over the wing and an exit through the aircraft's tail. Inflatable slides at the passenger access door and a rear service door expedited the evacuation of all 141 passengers and the crew of five.

"Our fleet service team was still on the ramp and assisted passengers and crew with a successful evacuation of the aircraft," AA Spokesperson Andrea Huguely said in a statement.

Three people suffered minor injuries, airline officials said.

American said they are working to get the passengers on another flight to Chicago.

NBC 5 will update this story with more information as soon as it's available. As this story is developing, elements may change.

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