Jet dumps fuel that lands on schoolkids near Los Angeles

By STEFANIE DAZIO
Associated Press

CUDAHY, Calif. (AP) — A mist of jet fuel dumped by an airliner making an emergency return to Los Angeles International Airport has fallen on several schools.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department says 56 children and adults had minor skin and lung irritation Tuesday but nobody was hospitalized.

The pilot of the Delta Air Lines flight to Shanghai reported a stalled engine compressor shortly after takeoff.

The plane dumped fuel to reduce weight for a safe landing.

The Federal Aviation Administration says dumps should be over unpopulated areas. However, aerospace expert Doug Moss says pilots can deviate from the rules for safety reasons.