Yahoo News Melania Trump’s plane forced to turn back as cabin fills with smoke
A flight containing US first lady Melania Trump was forced to turn back when the cabin started filling with smoke.
The plane was travelling from Washington to Philadelphia when passengers on board saw smoke and smelt burning.
According to TV reporters travelling with Mrs Trump, smoke filled the cabin 10 minutes into the flight, prompting Secret Service agents to rush to the front of the plane.
Some said they were given wet towels to put over their faces as the dramatic incident unfolded.
Plane carrying @FLOTUS has returned to Joint Base Andrews. Pool reporters aboard said a "thin haze of smoke" was visible and smelled something burning. Passengers given wet towels to assist breathing.
— Steve Herman (@W7VOA) October 17, 2018
It is not immediately clear what caused the problem.
The plane immediately aborted its journey and returned to Joint Andrews Air Force Base in Washington.
First Lady Melania Trump will still be traveling to Philadelphia today, per pool. Here’s a photo of @FLOTUS deplaning after the minor smoke issue on the first plane. They may now take a different aircraft for the trip. pic.twitter.com/X0P7rSAPoy
— Monica Alba (@albamonica) October 17, 2018
Mrs Trump’s spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, said "everyone is fine and everyone is safe".
She added the first lady's team was "evaluating" whether to make other arrangements to travel to a scheduled visit to Philadelphia.
Photos from pool producer @meghankwelsh showing @FLOTUS getting off her plane this morning. Meghan reports the First Lady’s trip is still on; and a new plane is being readied now. pic.twitter.com/XnvtQlEsWj
— Mike Emanuel (@MikeEmanuelFox) October 17, 2018
The first lady was due to visit a hospital in the city and meet with families of children affected by exposure to opioids while in the womb.
