Flight evacuated in New York due to smoke

Spirit Airlines Flight 197 from LaGuardia to Fort Lauderdale was evacuated because of a smoke condition on board, ABC News reported on Sunday.

The plane was at the gate preparing for an 11 a.m. departure when passengers started seeing smoke coming from the left side of the plane.

The plane was evacuated. Nobody was injured, but passengers said there was panic on board when they were told to leave.

A Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police spokesman said firefighters didn't find any smoke when they responded.

Airline spokesman Stephen Schuler said there were reports of sparks in the power unit that provides electricity to the Airbus 321 when it's grounded.

He said the unit automatically turned itself off after detecting an issue.

There were 228 passengers and 7 crew members on board.