JetBlue flight returns to Newark after engine failure, smoke prompts evacuation

A JetBlue flight bound for West Palm Beach returned to Newark Liberty International Airport shortly after takeoff Wednesday after reporting engine failure and smoke in the cockpit, prompting a ground stop and an emergency evacuation, officials said.

The Port Authority said JetBlue flight 543 took off from Newark Liberty International Airport at 5:43 p.m. on Wednesday before immediately returning to the airport due to engine failure.

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"The plane landed safely with no injuries to report at this time," the Port Authority said. "Flight operations are suspended while the aircraft is removed from the taxiway."

A JetBlue flight bound for West Palm Beach returned to Newark after reporting engine failure and cockpit smoke, prompting a brief ground stop. (iStock)

Jet Blue confirmed to Fox News that the plane returned to Newark shortly after takeoff.

"The aircraft landed safely, and customers and crewmembers evacuated using the aircraft’s slides," Jet Blue said. "Safety is JetBlue’s top priority. We are focused on supporting our customers and crewmembers and will work closely with the appropriate federal authorities to investigate what occurred."

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The airport reopened and resumed flight operations at about 7 p.m., the Port Authority later said.