ROME, April 19 (UPI) — A Scandinavian Airlines jet bound from Tokyo to Copenhagen with 75 persons aboard caught fire and burned today when an engine exploded during takeoff.

Twenty-three persons were injured. Most of them suffered burns or bruises in fleeing the DC-8 jet. Most seriously injured was a steward, Lief Tomerow, 40, a Dane, who suffered first and second degree burns on the face and fractures of the left leg and wrist while helping passengers to escape.

Rome’s Fiumicino Airport was closed to traffic for four hours. Authorities said that the main runway would be closed for several days until the wreck can be cleared away.

Sant’Eugenio hospital in Rome, where the injured were taken, reported that all were in good condition. The hospital is close to the airport and has a special burn treatment center.