Cracked window forces diversion of Southwest flight
Clearly taking no chances after last month’s fatal accident, a Southwest Airlines flight from Chicago Midway Airport was diverted to Cleveland after a window cracked mid-flight.
It rerouted to Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport when the cracked window was discovered but no cabin depressurization occurred, said airline spokeswoman Brandy King.
Passengers in the affected row were moved to other seats.
The plane, which was traveling to Newark Liberty Airport, landed in Cleveland safely without incident.
"The flight landed uneventfully in Cleveland. The aircraft has been taken out of service for maintenance review," the airline said in a statement.
Southwest noted the crack affected just one of multiple panes which make up each cabin window.
Jennifer Riordan, 43, became the first person to die on a Southwest flight last month when she was almost sucked out of a smashed window when an engine blew mid-flight.
It was also the first air-accident related death on a US airliner for nine years.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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