A FLIGHT was forced to divert and passengers were sent to hospital after they became overwhelmed by the stench of "dirty socks".

The Spirit Airlines jet was flying from New York to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when an "odour developed in a section of the aircraft" on Friday.

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After a time the stench became so unbearable it began to give passengers chest pains and burn their throats.

As a result the aircraft and the 220 passengers it was carrying were forced to make an unscheduled landing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, reports.

Local Fire and Rescue services were heard over the radio saying: “Reports are we have several occupants on a plane exposed to an unknown substance.”

There were concerns of a possible chemical on the aircraft that was making people sick, but nothing out of the abnormal was found.

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Despite nothing being found between seven and 10 passengers were taken to nearby hospital.

All those that needed medical attention are reported to be doing fine, according to

Myrtle Beach Fire Department Lt. Christian Sliker said: “After specific monitoring and hazmat crews entering into the fuselage no substances were found.

“The plane is all clear.”

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Spirit Airlines said the source of the stench was under investigation and that although the diversion was an inconvenience, passenger safety is "paramount."

They added in a statement: “A supplemental aircraft is en route to Myrtle Beach to pick up our guests.”

Images shared on social media showed passengers spilling out onto the tarmac as they waited to continue their journey south.