American Airlines flight diverted after 'chemical spillage' leaves two crew members unconscious
An American Airlines flight from London to Philadelphia has been diverted to Dublin following reports of a “chemical spill” on board.
Two crew members and one passenger were taken to hospital "for evaluation" after flight AA729 from Heathrow landed at 13:15 GMT at Dublin airport on Monday.
American Airlines said that the airbus A330-300 landed due to an odour "caused by a spilled cleaning solution in the galley”, the compartment where food is cooked and prepared.
A Dublin Airport spokesman confirmed to Yahoo News that American Airlines flight AA729 on route from London Heathrow to Philadelphia was diverted into Dublin Airport for a medical emergency.
LIVE: American #AA729 London Heathrow to Philadelphia (Airbus A330-300 N279AY) has turned back SW of Ireland and is diverting to Dublin. Pilot advises spillage of cleaning fluid. 2 crew temporarily unconscious; several pax with burning eyes, itchy skin.https://t.co/t6jKyQI6ep pic.twitter.com/yTNO95Wnrl
— Airport Webcams (@AirportWebcams) October 21, 2019
“The aircraft landed safely at approximately 13.20. As per the airport’s standard operating procedures, there was a full turn out of Dublin Airport’s emergency fire services for the landing.”
One passenger tweeted that the spillage "led to sickness outbreak and an emergency landing".
Sky News reported that two members of "cabin staff" had "lost consciousness".
In an audio recording tweeted by Airport Webcams, the pilot is heard saying there were "general complaints about burning eyes and other problems with mucus in the nose and skin problems".
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The fluid was a "cleaning product used at London Heathrow", the pilot said, which had been "left behind in one of the lavatories" and had seeped "into the carpeting".
“It is not a toxic substance.”
He added later: “We’re going to taxi to whatever gate we can find and we require paramedics to come on board the airplane and render immediate assistance.”
Ok, so this hasn’t quite gone to plan. Chemical spillage has led to sickness outbreak and an emergency landing in Dublin. #firecrew #paramedics #police
— Katie Phillips (@KatieHJP) October 21, 2019
Passenger Katie Phillips tweeted that the jet was met by "firecrew, paramedics, police".
Another passenger wrote that he and “dozens of others” were "standing around" Dublin Airport.
An American Airlines spokesperson told Yahoo News: “|American Airlines flight 729 from London Heathrow to Philadelphia diverted to Dublin due to an odor caused by a spilled cleaning solution in the galley.
“The flight landed safely in Dublin at 1:15 p.m. local time, and taxied to the gate.
“Medical personnel have met the aircraft to evaluate any crew members or passengers who may need additional assistance.
“Two crew members and one customer were taken to the hospital for evaluation. All have since been released.”