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Evacuation slide deploys in middle of United Airlines flight

United Airlines Flight 1453 makes emergency landing after evacuation slide deploys in cabin of plane mid-flight.

By Danielle Haynes

WICHITA, Kan., June 30 (UPI) -- An emergency evacuation slide deployed midair Sunday on United Airlines Flight 1453 from Chicago to Los Angeles, forcing the aircraft to make an unexpected landing in Wichita, Kan., airline officials said.

Midway through the flight, passengers said they heard some popping noises toward the back of the plane before the slide deployed inside the cabin.

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"The pilot made an announcement that we were landing in Wichita," passenger Michael Davis said. "He said don't worry about emergency trucks. We landed. They put on a little foam. Some people in Hazmat suits came in."

The plane landed at Mid-Continent Airport around 10:30 p.m. local time. None of the 96 passengers and five crew members was injured, United Airlines spokeswoman Christen David said.

The airline is investigating why the slide improperly deployed.

Meanwhile, one passenger, Sara Schroeder, documented the incident with photos on Twitter.

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