The British Airways plane that caught fire on the runway in Las Vegas forcing the evacuation of 170 passengers has flown from Bermuda on a handful of occasions this year.

Aircraft G-VIIO has travelled between London Gatwick and the Island on at least three occasions in the last four months according to online flight records.

The 16-year-old plane was last in Bermuda on August 28.

It previously had flown into LF Wade International and back to the UK on July 20 and May 31.

A BA spokeswoman told The Royal Gazette: “As British Airways is working closely with the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States on their investigation it would be inappropriate for us to comment.”

Airport officials in Las Vegas have revealed that at least 14 people were taken to hospital with minor injuries after the left engine of the Boeing 777-200 caught fire before take off.

The plane was seen engulfed in flames and smoke as passengers and crew were led to safety on Tuesday.

In a statement, British Airways said the aircraft “experienced a technical issue as it was preparing for take-off”.

In the distress call the plane’s captain asked for the airport’s emergency services saying “Speedbird Mayday Mayday. Speedbird 2276 request fire services. Speedbird 2276 heavy, we are evacuating on the runway. We have a fire, repeat, we are evacuating.”