Incident Overview
During the takeoff roll, after accelerating to approximately 153 knots, the number 7 tire failed. The flight crew aborted the takeoff, and the aircraft was stopped with about 3,000 feet of runway remaining. Due to a fuel leak from the right wing, the captain ordered an evacuation from the left side of the aircraft only.
Evacuation Issues
The second officer did not relay the captain's instructions over the public address system. When the captain activated the evacuation signal, the slides and rafts deployed on both sides of the aircraft. Approximately 20 occupants evacuated through exit 1L before the stitching in the grid bar loops at that location failed, causing the slide and raft to separate. Two passengers were seriously injured as a result.
Additional Details
During the evacuation, one flight attendant had taken a small girl to the lavatory and was not in a position to open her assigned exit (door 4L). A passenger who traveled frequently by air opened the door instead.
Investigation Findings
An investigation revealed that the number 7 tire failed after the inner bearing of that wheel had failed. This 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.