ATLANTA (AP) A company spokesman says a Delta plane headed to Philadelphia had to return to the gate just before takeoff from Atlanta because of an engine fire.

Delta spokesman Carlos Santos said the MD88 was taxiing along the runway shortly after 3 p.m. Saturday when there were reports of ''some flames coming out of the engine.'' He said airport fire trucks responded immediately.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Santos said there wasn't any smoke in the cabin and all 138 passengers were quickly evacuated from the plane. He said all passengers would be put on flights to Philadelphia later Saturday.