Smoking Suitcase Prompts Plane Evacuation

PHOENIX -- Smoke coming from a suitcase forced passengers off a US Airways plane at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, aviation officials said.

The A-17 gate area in Terminal 4 also was evacuated as a precaution, according to airport spokesperson Julie Rodriguez.

A hazardous materials team from the Phoenix Fire Department responded also as a precaution, KPHO in Phoenix reported.

The owner of the suitcase was being questioned by police.

Passengers were boarding the plane at the time of the incident.

The plane, bound for San Antonio, was moved to another gate where passengers were allowed to reboard. Flight 200 departed from Sky Harbor an hour later, police said.

There were no flight delays, Rodriguez said.

It's not known yet what triggered the smoke.