An airplane that had just taken off turned around and landed at San Antonio International Airport on Thursday morning after reports of a strong chemical odor on board.
The airplane landed safely at about 9 a.m. Thursday, said Rich Johnson, spokesman for the airport.
The Continental Airlines flight 007 had departed at 8:45 a.m. and was headed to Houston.
Passengers said they started feeling sick from the odor. One person was transported to the hospital, and four others were being checked at the airport by emergency responders.
Passenger Brent Forrest says he is upset that he and 150 other passengers were kept on board the plane for more than 15 minutes after the emergency landing was made.
"My eyes started burning. I was very uncomfortable. I wanted off the plane immediately," says Forrest. "I could not understand why they would make that announcement, know what they knew and then say, 'Stay in your seat.' It was amazing!"
Police, fire and hazardous materials teams were checking the airplane to determine the cause of the odor.
"I was by the exit door. I almost pulled the panels and slid out," says Forrest.
Around noon, passengers were allowed back on the plane to remove personal items. Most of the travelers are being held at the terminal.
United/Continental spokesperson Christen David made this statement:
Continental flight 7, from San Antonio to Houston, Texas, returned to the gate approximately 20 minutes after takeoff due to a report of a strong unfamiliar smell in the cabin. The plane landed safely and without incident, with no reported injuries to customers. Continental is working with local authorities to determine the cause of the odor.
The passengers are being re-accommodated on other flights to Houston.
Still sitting around hours after the landing, Gloria Hays emailed KENS at 2:39 p.m.:
"You might be interested to know that all of us who were evacuated from the plane are still standing in line 2 hours later trying to get new flights. We were dumped here and after the news media left, their customer service flew out the window! We have been completely neglected. Ask us what we think of continental airlines now!"
