Mysterious Odor Sickens Several Spirit Airlines Passengers, Diverts Flight

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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (CBS/AP) — Up to 10 people received medical help after a Spirit Airlines flight from New York to Florida was diverted to South Carolina after a chemical odor was noticed on board.

Spirit Airlines said Flight 779 left LaGuardia in New York City around 8:30 p.m. Thursday headed to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but was diverted to Myrtle Beach around 10 p.m.

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"Spirit Airlines flight 779 with scheduled service from New York LaGuardia to Fort Lauderdale was diverted to Myrtle Beach Thursday night after an odor developed in a section of the aircraft. A handful of Guests were checked out by medical professionals and have since been cleared to continue their journey. The source of the odor is being investigated, and a supplemental aircraft was sent to Myrtle Beach to pick up our Guests," Spirit Airlines told CBS Miami in a statement.

Myrtle Beach Fire Department Lt. Jonathan Evans told news outlets between seven and 10 people complained of medical problems and one person was taken to a hospital.

About 220 passengers on the plane waited on the tarmac while fire officials searched the plane but found no hazardous materials. A passenger told CBS Miami that the plane smelled like smoke.

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Spirit said a replacement aircraft with the passengers left Myrtle Beach around 3:30 a.m. Friday and arrived in Fort Lauderdale around 4:45 a.m.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)