United Airlines flight forced to abort takeoff at Chicago O'Hare after two tires blow

A United Airlines flight carrying 161 passengers was forced to abort takeoff at Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Thursday after two tires blew as the aircraft travelled down the runway.

The Boeing 737-900 safely stopped before takeoff, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Passengers left the aircraft using stairs on the runway before being taken by bus to the terminal.

Air traffic control audio captured another pilot describing debris from the damaged tires.

"We saw lots of chunks of tire going down the runway," the pilot said, according to ATC.com audio.

Emergency crews reported two blown tires on the aircraft's right main landing gear. The pilots told responders that everyone aboard was safe.

United Airlines said 161 passengers and six crew members were on the flight and no injuries were reported.

The aircraft had been scheduled to fly from Chicago to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

United said it would arrange another aircraft to take the passengers to Phoenix later on Thursday, while the Federal Aviation Administration investigates the incident.