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Vapor in cabin forces flight diversion

CHICAGO, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- A Southwest Airlines flight from Chicago to San Jose, Calif., was diverted after the cabin filled with what appeared to be smoke during takeoff, officials said.

Flight 718 with 109 passengers aboard was diverted to St. Louis Monday night as a precautionary measure, The (Arlington Heights, Ill.) Daily Herald reported.

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Southwest Airlines officials said the smoke that filled the main passenger cabin was de-icing fluid that vaporized through an air intake during takeoff.

After about 45 seconds crew members were able to clear the vapors, Southwest spokesman Brad Hawkins said.

"It has a very distinct odor, so they (the pilots) realized exactly what it was and explained it to the customers right away," Hawkins said.

After the diversion to St. Louis, the plane was forced to divert again to Dallas to pick up a new flight crew because of "crew time issues" before heading to San Jose, the airline said.

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