5 taken to hospital after plane diverted to Philly

Fire department officials say five people were taken to a hospital from a plane diverted to Philadelphia International Airport after crew members reported being sickened by an odor on board.

Airport spokeswoman Victoria Lupica says US Airways flight 720 had taken off from Charlotte, N.C. bound for Rome, but diverted to Philadelphia shortly before 10 p.m. last night after crew members became nauseous.

 

US Airways spokesman Todd Lehmacher says the pilot decided to divert the aircraft “out of an abundance of caution” and five crew members were seen by a paramedic. They were then taken to a hospital for observation.

Lehmacher says no illnesses were reported among any of the 176 passengers. He said the plane would continue to Rome with a new crew.