ATLANTA (AP) - A company spokesman says a Delta plane headed to Philadelphia had to return to the gate just before takeoff from Atlanta because of an engine fire.

Delta spokesman Carlos Santos said the plane was taxiing along the runway Saturday afternoon when there were reports of ``some flames coming out of the engine.'' He said airport fire trucks responded immediately.

It was not immediately clear what caused the fire.

DELTA AIR LINES INC DEL  NYSE:DAL  Updated: 16:00 ET  7.62  +0.03

Santos said there wasn't any smoke in the cabin and passengers were quickly evacuated from the plane. He said all passengers would be put on flights to Philadelphia later Saturday.

11/07/09 16:51 © Copyright The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained In this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.