A passenger was treated after a laptop computer caught fire aboard an American Airlines flight during its trip to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in Texas. USA.
American Airlines Flight 2398, traveling from Atlanta, Georgia, landed safely at the airport on Friday after smoke was reported from a passenger’s device.
The pilot alerted air traffic control to a “cabin fire in the rear of the plane” and said flight attendants were attempting to extinguish it.
According to audio obtained by CBS News, the pilot reported that the laptop may have burned four to five passengers.
The device was eventually contained within the plane, allowing the Airbus A321 to continue its landing.
After the plane arrived at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, it headed to the gate where emergency personnel were waiting as a precaution.
American Airlines said the plane landed safely after reports of smoke from a customer’s device and praised its crew for acting quickly to contain the situation.
One passenger received medical treatment at the airport but was later released.
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The incident highlights the potential risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in laptops, phones and portable chargers.
The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warns that lithium batteries can overheat when damaged, exposed to water, overcharged, or improperly packaged.
The FAA has recorded 58 verified incidents involving lithium batteries so far this year, including cases involving smoke, fire or extreme heat.
According to the regulator, over the past two decades, laptops have accounted for 84 verified battery-related incidents.
The FAA requires that lithium batteries and devices containing them be carried in passengers’ carry-on luggage rather than checked luggage, where a fire could be more difficult to detect or contain.
Airlines and aviation authorities have increasingly warned passengers about battery-related fires. Power banks, in particular, have been linked to a growing number of incidents on airplanes.
Despite the fire, Flight 2398 landed safely and emergency crews responded after the plane arrived at the gate.
(BBC News)
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