The Continental Express jet blew two left tires on takeoff. Flight #3161 left Houston at 3:55pm, bound for Minneapolis. According to Continental officials, there are 45 passengers and three crew members on board.
Shortly after leaving, pilots called back to the tower to inform them of the blown tire. The plane circled back and flew by the control tower to give controllers the opportunity to visually assess the tire damage. It appears both left tires have blown out.
The plane is now circling the airport in an effort to burn off fuel before attempting an emergency landing. The plane is expected to land at about 6:10pm.
Emergency crews are on standby. Sweepers have cleared the runway of any debris from the tire.