This happened around 1:25 p.m. Allegiant Air tells WSBT the plane had 149 people on board – and all were safely evacuated with no injuries reported so far.
While in flight, Allegiant says the pilot was alarmed something was wrong because the cargo fire indicator lights came on.
WSBT has been in contact with one of the passengers. She said someone came over the speaker and said ‘Go limp, brace for impact, put your arms and hands at your side.”
The flight crew conducted an emergency landing, inflated the front two doors and evacuated the passenger.
Multiple crews responded to the scene. According to WANE-TV, the fire was put out fairly quickly. There is no word on what caused it.
Allegiant Air spokeswoman Jessica Wheeler said a replacement plane is headed to Fort Wayne from Bellingham, Wash., for passengers who still want to travel to Punta Gorda. She says the plane is expected to depart Fort Wayne about 10 p.m.
Passengers and families seeking additional information may contact Allegiant at 1-888-393-3535.
We will update this story as more information becomes available.
The Associated Press and WANE-TV contributed to this report.
