United Airlines Flight Diverted After Medical Emergency Forces Unscheduled Landing in Chicago
CHICAGO, IL — A United Airlines flight traveling from Newark to San Francisco was diverted to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport on Wednesday after a passenger suffered a severe medical emergency mid-flight.
Flight UA 123, a Boeing 777-200 carrying 247 passengers and 11 crew members, departed Newark Liberty International Airport at 9:45 AM local time. At approximately 11:30 AM, a 56-year-old male passenger experienced a sudden cardiac event, prompting the flight crew to declare an emergency and request priority landing in Chicago.
The aircraft landed safely at O'Hare at 12:05 PM. Emergency medical personnel met the plane and transported the passenger to a nearby hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition.
According to a United Airlines spokesperson, the airline coordinated with air traffic control to ensure a swift diversion. "The safety and well-being of our customers and crew is our top priority," the statement read. "We thank our team for their professionalism and quick response."
A replacement flight is scheduled to depart for San Francisco later this evening. The diverted flight has caused minimal disruption to airport operations.