Chicago Police

Luggage Carrier Runs Bag Over at Midway Airport, Causing it to ‘Explode'

A piece of luggage fell off of a transport and made a popping sound, according to Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford.

A luggage carrier ran a bag over, causing it to "explode" Monday afternoon at Midway International Airport, Chicago police confirmed. 

The incident happened at 12:18 p.m., police said, and a Level One Hazmat was declared. The piece of luggage fell off of a transport and made a popping sound, according to Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford.

The bomb squad was called to Midway Airport to clear the scene and left around 1 p.m., according to police. Chicago police said there was no threat to public safety, and airport operations resumed Monday afternoon. 

According to a Chicago police spokesman, officials believe that a cell phone battery or battery charger exploded inside of a suitcase, and the bag did not "combust or explode on its own." 

"Thanks to everyone for being vigilant and to the firefighters, officers and technicians who assisted," CPD spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said. 

Check back for more details on this developing news story. 

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