United Airlines Flight Rerouted to St. Louis Lambert, Evacuated Before Reaching Chicago O’Hare

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Tuesday morning, passengers faced a frightening experience when a flight headed to Chicago had to return to St. Louis due to a smoke alert.

GoJet Airlines, which operated the United Airlines flight, said the flight crew reported a lavatory smoke warning shortly after takeoff.

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“The reality sank in when they started instructing us to brace for impact by putting our heads down between our legs,” said Dominic Gagliardotto, a passenger from Palatine. “At that moment, I sent a text to my daughter expressing my love for her.”

Gagliardotto shared video showing the evacuation process. Firefighters helped people to get down from the aircraft.

Flight records show the flight departed for Chicago O’Hare Airport again hours later, but Gagliardotto decided to drive back to Chicago.

GoJet Airlines, which operates under United, stated, “Flight 4423 from St. Louis Lambert to Chicago O’Hare returned shortly after taking off because the crew encountered a lavatory smoke warning. The plane landed safely, with Lambert Airport personnel transporting passengers back to the terminal. We provided another aircraft to fly our customers to Chicago, and that flight has since taken off.”

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a statement, saying, “GoJet Flight 4423 returned safely to St. Louis Lambert International Airport around 6:40 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, after the crew reported possible smoke in the aircraft. The CRJ 700 was headed to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The FAA will investigate. Please contact the airline for additional information.”