United flight evacuated after landing gear problem

[August 05, 2010]  CHICAGO (AP) -- United Airlines officials say passengers on a flight from London to Chicago made an emergency evacuation after smoke was observed coming from beneath the aircraft after it landed.

Authorities say three people reported minor injuries as a result of the evacuation on Wednesday afternoon at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

United spokesman Mike Trevino says nearly 200 people were aboard the Boeing 767. The aircraft's emergency slides were deployed after smoke believed to be coming from the landing gear was detected.

Chicago Fire Department spokesman Kevin MacGregor says the smoke may have come from a wheel fire. Fire crews on a runway sprayed the aircraft with a retardant to prevent any spread of a fire.

[Associated Press]

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