Smoke in Cabin Forces Southwest Flight to Make Emergency Landing
A Dallas-bound Southwest flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after smoke reportedly filled the aircraft cabin.
After the Boeing 737 landed, crew deployed the emergency slides, and the flight's 140 passengers were evacuated. Five passengers requested to be evaluated by medical personnel, according to a Southwest statement obtained by NBC DFW. Two passengers were taken to the hospital, the Albuquerque Fire Department tweeted. It's unclear what their injuries or conditions were.
Southwest Flight 3562 was mid-route from Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) to Dallas Love Field (DAL), when passengers said smoke began to fill the plane's cabin. Southwest's statement said that before the emergency landing, the "crew noted an unusual smell in the cabin." The pilot then diverted for Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), where emergency crews awaited the plane.
"Our People in Albuquerque worked to get Customers onboard another aircraft to continue their journey to Dallas," Southwest's statement continued. "The diverted aircraft will remain in Albuquerque until our Mechanics inspect and clear its return to service."
