American flight diverted to Dulles after passenger device emits smoke

An American Airlines flight from Philadelphia to Phoenix was diverted to Washington Dulles International Airport on Saturday after a passenger’s device appeared to catch fire and produce smoke. Flight 357, carrying 160 passengers and six crew members, landed safely in Dulles, where emergency responders met the aircraft. The device was quickly contained by the crew before landing, and all passengers and crew deplaned without reported injuries or arrests. The Federal Aviation Administration said it is investigating the incident.

The flight took off from Philadelphia around 10:50 a.m. local time and landed at Dulles just before noon. After the diversion, officials said there were no operational impacts at Dulles and that travelers were able to continue their journeys via alternate arrangements organized by the airline. The incident prompted immediate response from emergency personnel who met the aircraft on arrival, consistent with standard safety procedures for in-flight fire events.

Accounts from passengers on board describe a tense moment as smoke filled the cabin. A passenger seated in an exit row said a flight attendant jumped onto her seat to reach one of the cabin’s fire...