Passengers taken off plane over smoking suitcase

Passengers taken off plane over smoking suitcase

The authorities found a smoking suitcase in the cargo area at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Passengers who were boarding a US Airways flight were taken off the plane, and the gate area that they used to board was evacuated, said Julie Rodriguez, the airport's spokeswoman.

The Phoenix Fire Department called in a hazard materials team and the owner of the suitcase is being questioned by police, Rodriguez said.