O'Hare Terminal 1 reopens after unattended bag prompted evacuation

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Terminal 1 at O'Hare International Airport has resumed normal operations after an unattended bag prompted a partial evacuation Wednesday morning.

The Chicago Police Department's Bomb and Arson team found no evidence of explosives or any dangerous materials, and no one was injured. Once Terminal 1 reopened, it was congested with long lines of passengers trying to make their flights.

"My flight was supposed to leave in 5 minutes. I don't think I'll make it," said David Lee.

The partial evacuation of Terminal 1 went on for two hours after an unattended bag was found around 9:30 a.m. in the upper level of the terminal.

A police dog indicated that something suspicious might be in the bag after an X-ray of the bag showed nothing inside, and a thorough sweep of the area by emergency responders. The all-clear was given around 11:30.

Lee said passengers found out they could return to the terminal through word of mouth - not an announcement.

"We were here at 10:15 for an 11:55 flight, but it's been like this. We were in Terminal 2 just waiting," said Lee.

Scott Goering and his family were hoping to make their flight to Los Angeles. They were slowed down by emergency vehicles responding to the evacuation.

"The emergency responders were still here when we got here and they were opening things up," said Goering.

Flights were not affected by the evacuation, although passengers were encouraged to check the status of their flight with the airline. While operations were getting back to normal, it still meant that some passengers were inconvenienced.

"I got no problem with if they think there's a problem, get everybody out. But once they get back inside, the airline should plan for this kind of stuff," said Steve Anderson.

United Airlines, United Express, Lufthansa and All Nippon are located in Terminal 1.

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