September 26, 2014
Mariah Timms
News Writer
National News
A fire at an air traffic control center outside of Chicago, IL, has grounded thousands of flights across the country. The fire broke out in the early morning, requiring an evacuation of the Aurora, IL, control center. No flames or smoke were visually reported outside the center. Little has been confirmed, although Aurora Police Chief Greg Thomas told reporters it was not believed to have been an act of terrorism. Most reports say the fire was set by a contract employee now being treated for self-inflicted wounds. Another man was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. More than 360 flights were cancelled from O’Hare and 79 from Midway, as well as delays on flights going in or out of Chicago and its airspace. O’Hare is the second-busiest airport on the planet. The FAA said that planes to Chicago would not be allowed to depart until at least 11 a.m. ET.
