Flight headed to Tampa diverted to Myrtle Beach after charger causes cabin smoke

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - A flight headed to Florida was diverted to the Grand Strand on Thursday after reports of cabin smoke.

A Myrtle Beach International Airport official said a Southwest Airlines flight traveling between Baltimore, Maryland and Tampa diverted to MYR after reports of smoke in the cabin.

The aircraft reportedly landed without incident, with the airport fire/rescue on standby.

Officials said they inspected the aircraft upon arrival and did not encounter smoke conditions in the aircraft cabin, and there were no reported injuries among the passengers or crew.

In a statement, Southwest Airlines said a customer’s battery charger had overheated and caused the smoke.

The airline said earlier this week, they introduced a first-in-industry safety policy requiring customers to keep portable charging devices visible while in use during flight.

“Using portable charging devices while stored in a bag or overhead bin will no longer be permitted,” said officials. ”Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of its customers and employees."

A replacement aircraft and crew were called, which left MYR for Tampa later that evening with all passengers.

The airline is investigating the incident.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.