A flight to Phoenix declared an emergency shortly after takeoff from Philadelphia.
American Airlines flight AA357 departed from Philadelphia one hour late at 10:49 EDT to Phoenix, AZ.
The Airbus A321 (registration N558UW) stopped the climb at 28,000 feet as pilots turned left back to Philadelphia due to a fire from a battery on board.
The crew declared an emergency (squawk 7700) and finally decided to divert to the nearest airport.
Smoke filled the cabin for 30 mins until landing. Flight attendants acted fast and put the fire out.
UPDATE #1
The flight is diverting to Washington.
UPDATE #2
Landed on runway 19C at IAD, met by emergency vehicles.
UPDATE #3
At gate B71.
