Narrative:

Approximately 5 nm from the top of descent enroute to ZZZ we received a call from the flight attendants that they was a strong odor in the middle of the cabin. I asked the flight attendants to investigate and report back. We contacted ZZZ center and indicated that we may have a problem and would like to start our descent into ZZZ early in anticipation of a potential ZZZ1 divert and that we would provide additional information as it was given to us. The flight attendants then reported back and indicated that there was an intense burnt plastic smell coming from the gasper vents in the vicinity of rows 29-32. Additionally; the flight attendants indicated there was an intense burnt plastic smell in the aft galley. At this time; we could detect a faint smell similar to what the flight attendants described in the flight deck. We donned our O2 masks requested priority handling. We initiated a diversion into ZZZ1 and started the smoke/fumes checklist. We were only able to get through cabin service bus; inlet and extract valves and were to the point in the checklist where you isolate one pack when we had to abandon that checklist and focus on the required checklists and duties to safely land the aircraft. We landed uneventfully on ZZZ1 runway. We were met by ZZZ1 crash fire rescue equipment. We stopped the aircraft on taxiway; ventilated the cockpit via the dv windows and chatted briefly about whether we should try to continue isolating systems or completely shut down the aircraft and be towed in to the gate when the no. 1 engine bleed and 1 pack faulted. We selected both ENG1 bleed and pack 1 off and additionally turned off the engine 2 bleed and pack 2 off. We queried the flight attendants if the smell was still present. The flight attendants indicated the smell had dissipated. We deemed it safe to taxi to the gate. We were met by ZZZ1 crash fire rescue equipment at the gate and they completed thermal imaging. They determined that it was safe to disembark the passengers normally. All 5 crew members were examined at hospital. To the best of my knowledge; the tests did not reveal any injury related to the fume event for the 5 crew members involved. I assume the other crew members were given similar treatment. All crew members acted in an extremely calm professional manner and I am extremely grateful for their efforts.

Related reports:

Google
 

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Captain reported being notified of a 'burning plastic odor' in passenger cabin. Flight deck crew detected same odor in cockpit and executed a divert.

Narrative: Approximately 5 nm from the top of descent enroute to ZZZ we received a call from the Flight Attendants that they was a strong odor in the middle of the cabin. I asked the Flight Attendants to investigate and report back. We contacted ZZZ Center and indicated that we may have a problem and would like to start our descent into ZZZ early in anticipation of a potential ZZZ1 divert and that we would provide additional information as it was given to us. The flight attendants then reported back and indicated that there was an intense burnt plastic smell coming from the gasper vents in the vicinity of rows 29-32. Additionally; the flight attendants indicated there was an intense burnt plastic smell in the aft galley. At this time; we could detect a faint smell similar to what the flight attendants described in the flight deck. We donned our O2 masks requested priority handling. We initiated a diversion into ZZZ1 and started the Smoke/Fumes checklist. We were only able to get through cabin service bus; inlet and extract valves and were to the point in the checklist where you isolate one pack when we had to abandon that checklist and focus on the required checklists and duties to safely land the aircraft. We landed uneventfully on ZZZ1 runway. We were met by ZZZ1 CFR. We stopped the aircraft on taxiway; ventilated the cockpit via the DV windows and chatted briefly about whether we should try to continue isolating systems or completely shut down the aircraft and be towed in to the gate when the No. 1 ENG bleed and 1 Pack faulted. We selected both ENG1 bleed and Pack 1 off and additionally turned off the ENG 2 bleed and Pack 2 off. We queried the flight attendants if the smell was still present. The flight attendants indicated the smell had dissipated. We deemed it safe to taxi to the gate. We were met by ZZZ1 CFR at the gate and they completed thermal imaging. They determined that it was safe to disembark the passengers normally. All 5 crew members were examined at hospital. To the best of my knowledge; the tests did not reveal any injury related to the fume event for the 5 crew members involved. I assume the other crew members were given similar treatment. All crew members acted in an extremely calm professional manner and I am extremely grateful for their efforts.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.