A power bank was reported to have caught fire on the plane of a plane operated by IndiGo, leading to a rapid evacuation of passengers on the tarmac. The airline is yet to release an official statement.
As shown by the pictures posted on social media site X by fellow passengers, the travellers were observed getting off the plane in a rush with smoke filling the cabin. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the incident caused panic among passengers, with crew members initiating emergency procedures to ensure everyone’s safety.
Claiming passengers stated that the fire caused thick smoke to fill the inside of the airplane, and that some of the passengers on board were unable to breathe. Five or so persons are suspected to have sustained insignificant injuries in the evacuation process and had been shifted to a nearby hospital to receive medical attention. The authorities are yet to ascertain the actual number or extent of injuries.
Emergency response teams and officials at the airports rushed to the scene to control the area so as to eliminate any further risk. The plane has been quarantined to be inspected and initial investigations are being conducted to find the exact cause of the fire.
These accidents have again cast doubts on the safety of transporting lithium-ion batteries and power banks onboard during flights. Aviation authorities will be supposed to check safety measures and give instructions where needed.
More information is expected as the investigations are ongoing and the airline is ready to issue an official statement about the incident.