A Spirit Airlines flight from Dallas to Orlando was diverted to an airport in Jacksonville, Florida, after a battery from a passenger's item caught fire in an overhead bin, airline officials said.
Flight 259 landed safely Wednesday afternoon and taxied to the terminal, the Florida-based airline said in a statement. Several people from the flight were taken to the hospital after feeling ill.
“There was a retired fireman that jumped up and the flight crew came in and they tried putting water on it and another guy went and got a bucket because I think the fireman reached in and grabbed it and they got it put out, but it took about 20 minutes.” passenger Kerri Arakawa told FirstCoast News.
Jacksonville Fire Rescue officials said one person was taken to the hospital initially, but more people started feeling ill as time passed.
Fire Captain Eric Proswimmer told the TV station they ended up taking 10 patients to the hospital.
Updates on their conditions were not available.
“We thank our crew and guests for their quick actions to ensure the safety of everyone onboard, and we thank first responders for meeting the aircraft,” the airline said.
The airline provided refunds and vouchers to passengers, and arranged for ground transportation to Orlando.
We know life can be tough sometimes, so we'd like to take a moment to share One Good Thing happening in the world today. While police officers are meant to serve and protect people, one officer in New York helped protect a real-life Bambi.
Be Well: Full Body Beach Workout Routine
Be Well: How Therapy Sessions Can Boost Your Mental Health
A new law that was passed in California last year could change how much people pay for electricity each month. The proposed changes will be based on how much money people make and not on their monthly electricity usage.
A designer is trying to make a case for double-decker airplane seats, showcasing a prototype at an aircraft interiors expo in Germany. His idea made waves last year after he posted it online.
Fourteen wastewater plants in New York City recently showed high levels of COVID-19. This could be a grim predictor for a national COVID outbreak. Cheddar's Ashley Mastronardi spoke to one expert about how to prepare for another wave.
Seven people were shot, two fatally, when gunfire rang out Tuesday outside a downtown theater in Richmond, Virginia, where a high school graduation ceremony had just ended, causing hundreds of attendees to flee in panic, weep and clutch their children, authorities and witnesses said.
Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital for intestinal surgery Wednesday, the latest malady to befall the 86-year-old pontiff who had part of his colon removed two years ago.
Author Seamus Kirst Talks New Children's Book Celebrating Diverse Families
Prince Harry testified in the trial against a British tabloid, accusing The Daily Mirror of hacking his phone to obtain information about him.
