"Two injured in emergency evacuation at Iowa airport"

Monday, September 11, 2006

Two injured in emergency evacuation at Iowa airport 
The Associated Press


CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) - Two passengers were hurt in an emergency
evacuation of an Allegiant Airlines plane at the Eastern Iowa Airport,
officials said.

The passengers, who were not identified, were taken to a Cedar Rapids
hospital after they were injured evacuating an Allegiant Air Md-80 Sunday
night because of smoke in the cabin, airport spokesman Ron Harrelson said.

The plane, Flight 436 from Las Vegas to Cedar Rapids, was taxiing to the
terminal after landing about 6:45 p.m. when smoke was detected, he said.

"All we know is the plane landed safely. It was taxiing to the terminal ramp
when smoke was beginning to fill the cabin in the rear," Harrelson said
Monday.

The flight had 107 passengers, plus a crew. He didn't know how many were in
the crew.

The two passengers were injured as the passengers were evacuated on the
airplane's inflatable slides. The plane was still on the tarmac about 250
yards from the terminal, Harrelson said.

He said the injuries, which were minor, happened as the passengers were
sliding off the chutes.

"One didn't prepare himself, I assume, and just went onto the pavement. The
other took a steeper fall coming off the corner. He didn't finish the
slide," Harrelson said.

Officials have not found the source of the smoke, he said.

Harrelson said another plane was brought in and returned to Las Vegas about
1 a.m. on Monday, he said.

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