Southwest Airlines Passengers Jump From Plane After Emergency Landing

The plane was forced to land in Albuquerque after what might have been an electrical fire

Passengers on board a Dallas-bound Southwest Airlines flight used escape slides to evacuate the plane after smoke filled the aircraft's cabin, prompting an emergency landing in New Mexico.

Southwest flight 3562 departed Phoenix Sunday night and was headed for Dallas Love Field when passengers reported smoke in the Boeing 737's cabin.

The plane was forced to land in Albuquerque after what might have been an electrical fire.

Passengers on board a Dallas-bound Southwest Airlines flight used escape slides to evacuate the plane after smoke filled the aircraft's cabin, prompting an emergency landing in New Mexico.

The Albuquerque Fire Department tweeted that two people were taken to local hospitals. The extent of their injuries was not immediately known.

Several emergency vehicles could be seen on the runway after the plane landed.

"A flight to remember," said Brandon Cox, who tweeted video of himself and other passengers jumping off the aircraft's wing. "Something I hope I never experience again. You see these things in movies and never expect it to happen to you!"

"Most importantly everyone is out safe but man what a scare," he wrote.

Passengers arrived in Dallas early Monday morning.

Southwest Airlines issued the following statement:

"Flight 3562 traveling last evening from Phoenix Sky Harbor to Dallas Love Field diverted to Albuquerque International Sunport after our Crew noted an unusual smell the cabin. The Captain declared an emergency to receive priority handling from air traffic controllers after deviating from the filed flight plan. After safely landing, 140 passengers evacuated the aircraft on a clear taxiway. Initial reports indicate five Customers requested assessment by medical personnel. Our People in Albuquerque worked to get Customers onboard another aircraft to continue their journey to Dallas. The diverted aircraft will remain in Albuquerque until our Mechanics inspect and clear its return to service."

A Dallas police officer aboard the flight tweeted that Dallas-based Southwest's flight attendants "did a great job!"

NBC 5's Tim Ciesco contributed to this report.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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