An American Airlines flight was forced to divert into Bermuda this morning after its computer indicated a fire had broken out in the plane’s wheel well.

The aircraft and its 120 passengers and crew landed safely at LF Wade International at 6.20am.

Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service Staff Officer, Sergeant Russann Francis, said: “At 5.37am this morning, 911 Emergency Dispatch Center received a call from the LF Wade International Airport Duty Officer, Ms. Lisa Wilson.

“She stated that an American Airlines Flight 974 en route to New York from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will make an emergency landing in Bermuda due to a computer indicating there was fire in a wheel well of the passenger flight”.

Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service were on standby at the scene with nine vehicles and 17 personnel as the flight landed safely. Firefighters carried out a thorough search of the Boeing 767 conducting all necessary safety measures.

The flight is currently at the airport and American Airlines will make further arrangements for the passengers.