An American Airlines jet blew a tyre and burst into flames as it was taking off from Chicago's O'Hare Airport today, forcing the evacuation of 170 passengers and crew. Miraculously, only eight people suffered minor injuries.

Dramatic videos taken by passengers on their cellphones show flames and a large plume of black smoke coming from the Boeing 767, which appeared to be damaged at its rear. Evacuation chutes extended from the plane with emergency vehicles surrounding the aircraft.

"Holy shit," yells one passenger as people flee the burning fuselage. "Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god... oh my freaking god."

BREAKING: Good video of fire on #AmericanAirlines plane at #ohare Plane was bound for #miami @ActionNewsJax working to get details CBS47 5pm pic.twitter.com/WTmmfBnpEr

— John Bachman (@BachmanANjax) October 28, 2016

Seven passengers and a flight attendant received minor injuries after the aircraft, which was preparing for take-off to Miami, caught fire on the runway.

American Airlines spokeswoman Leslie Scott said the injured were taken to a hospital to be evaluated.

Scott said Flight 383 aborted its take-off due to an engine-related mechanical issue. The 161 passengers and nine crew members were evacuated and buses took them to an airport terminal.

Scott said the passengers would be placed on another flight to Miami later in the day.

National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Keith Holloway said the board would conduct an investigation into the incident, with investigators expected to arrive on the scene Friday evening.