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Passengers aboard a Chicago-bound American Airlines flight were forced to evacuate prior to takeoff from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Thursday, the airline confirmed in a statement.
More than 140 passengers and crew were aboard the plane when possible smoke was detected in the cabin, prompting the plane's emergency slides to be deployed, CBS DFW reported.
At least three people suffered minor injuries as a result, the airline said.
Traveler Brandon Sullivan posted a photo from the scene, pointing out that fire officials were on hand.
"American Airlines Flight 1658, from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), deplaned using emergency exits at Gate A14 because of possible smoke in the cabin," said airline spokeswoman Andrea Huguely in a statement via the Dallas Morning News. "The flight was ready for departure when the incident occurred. Our fleet service team was still on the ramp and assisted passengers and crew with a successful evacuation of the aircraft."
The incident occurred aboard one of American's MD-80s, an aircraft the Morning News' Terry Maxon said the airline plans to phase out by the end of 2017.
The 141 passengers and five crew members evacuated Thursday were scheduled on a different flight to Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
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