HOUSTON – Smoke was reported aboard a United Express flight at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, prompting an emergency evacuation of the aircraft Saturday morning, according to authorities.
Mesa Airlines, which operates the flight for United Express, said a sensor alert indicated smoke in the cabin shortly after pushback. The airline said the evacuation was precautionary and said the crew conducted a safe, orderly exit.
The Houston Fire Department confirmed multiple units responded to 3950 North Terminal Toad. The department said the smoke has been put out, and officials declared the aircraft “fire safe.”
A passenger told KPRC 2 he was on United Flight 6153 when the cabin started to fill with smoke as the aircraft was taxiing for takeoff.
Mesa said no injuries were reported.
Flight-tracking information from the Houston Airport System listed the Houston-to-Atlanta flight as diverted at IAH after it was scheduled to depart Terminal E at 7:20 a.m.
Mesa apologized for the disruption and said it would switch to a different aircraft to complete the flight.
The cause of the smoke has not been released.
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