(KCBS) -- Thousands of people have been evacuated from the United Airlines domestic terminal at San Francisco International Airport, because a man reportedly left a security checkpoint with explosive residue or metal on his shoes.
KCBS reporter Bob Melrose at SFO said outside roads have also been blocked off, so that no one can leave the area.
SFO Spokesman Mike McCarron told KCBS flights are being held at nearly 30 gates, from 61 to 89.
At “7:15am, a gentleman went through the checkpoints. His shoes were checked in a random check, and they apparently tested positive for possible residue” or metal, he said. “When they went to ask the man some questions, he lost them in the crowd somehow. As a result, the FAA has closed down boarding area F, which is the United Airlines domestic gate.”
McCarron said any security breach must now be checked out, even though residue could come from fireworks or a construction site.
“The FAA determined that there was a possible breach of security. They decided to take no chances and evacuate the terminal,” he said.
The thousands of passengers who were evacuated are now being filtered back through security.