What happened
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft accelerated to approximately 153 knots before the flight crew initiated an abort due to a mechanical failure. The #7 tire failed, leading to a fuel leak from the right wing. The captain ordered an evacuation exclusively from the left side of the aircraft. However, the second officer did not relay these instructions over the public address system. When the captain activated the evacuation signal, slide rafts deployed on both sides of the aircraft.
As approximately 20 occupants evacuated through exit 1L, the stitching in the grid bar loops failed at that location. Consequently, the slide raft separated, resulting in serious injuries to two passengers. Additionally, one flight attendant was occupied with a small girl in the lavatory and could not open her assigned exit (Door 4L). A passenger who frequently traveled by air assisted by opening the door.
The investigation
An investigation revealed that the #7 tire had failed after the inner bearing of that wheel had failed. This failure caused the wheel and tire to overheat, which allowed the fuses to melt and blow out. The reason for the bearing failure was not verified.