Smoke on United plane prompts evacuation

updated 8:13 p.m. ET Dec. 14, 2007

CHICAGO - A United Airlines flight from Shanghai, China to Chicago was evacuated on a runway at O'Hare International Airport when a pilot reported smoke in the cabin shortly before the plane's scheduled arrival, a United spokeswoman said.

One passenger traveling on United Flight 836 on Friday was taken to an area hospital for treatment, said spokeswoman Megan McCarthy said. She did not know the hospital or passenger's condition.

The plane's 258 passengers, 11 crew members and four pilots on board were evacuated with chutes and bussed to an O'Hare terminal, according Gregg Cunningham, a spokesman for Chicago's Department of Aviation.

The Boeing 777 jet was evacuated as a "safety precaution," McCarthy said.

One of the plane's pilots reported smoke in the cabin around 3:45 p.m. (2045 GMT). The plane landed minutes later, McCarthy said.

Deal of the Day Newfoundland and Labrador Explore World Heritage sites, glimpse into the life of the Vikings, more, from $1,635.

The Chicago Fire Department was called to the scene because of the smoke reports, said spokeswoman Eve Rodriguez.

Officials did not know the cause of the smoke.

"We're doing a complete investigation and working with appropriate authorities," McCarthy said.

Don't miss these Travel stories from msnbc.com   Popular ski playgrounds around U.S.   The top-rated travel photos of 2009 Uniquely American: PB&J and cheeseburgers Slice of heaven: The country’s best pizza The fastest disappearing natural wonders

MORE FROM NEWS

News Section Front

Eurostar back in action after 4-day  shutdown   Police react to unruly crowd at Delta terminal 10 years of twisted travel Snow, icy conditions snarl travel in Britain October highway travel off 0.5 percent from year ago Spanish airline is grounded Airlines may have trouble following DOT rules Feds impose 3-hour limit on tarmac strandings Airlines add flights for disrupted travelers Delta adds flights from Flint to Atlanta, Detroit News Section Front   Add News headlines to your news reader: