Breathing Problems Reported After Flight Diverts to LAX

"We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience, and are working to get them to Arizona as soon as possible," the airline said in a statemen

Eight people aboard an American Airlines flight that was diverted to Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday morning complained of breathing problems after landing, but they were all expected to be OK, fire officials said.

Firefighters were standing by the runway when Flight 564, carrying 125 passengers and five crew members, landed safely shortly before 11 a.m. after the aircraft experienced what the airline described as a mechanical issue.

American Airlines spokesman Ross Feinstein said the mechanical problem may have stemmed from a leak in the hydraulic system. Fluid got into an auxiliary power unit, which caused smoke to enter the rear of the plane, he said.

Eight people complaining of "respiratory irritation" due to an "unspecified odor" were checked out by paramedics, said Brian Humphrey, spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department. They included seven passengers and one flight attendant.

The fire department initially said a woman had been taken to the hospital, but later issued a correction saying the woman had asked to be taken to the hospital but changed her mind and was never transported.

A cellphone video posted online showed multiple people receiving medical attention inside a terminal.

The aircraft, an Airbus A319, was taxied to a gate and inspected.

All the passengers were re-booked on other flights, according to the airline.

"We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience, and are working to get them to Arizona as soon as possible," the airline said in a statement. 

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