The crew of an easyJet flight from Geneva, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands was forced to declare an emergency on the flight last month electronic cigarette The overhead storage compartment above the passenger seats developed a sudden malfunction.
Passengers of EasyJet flight U2-1517 heard an “explosive sound” from the storage compartments in the belly of the aircraft at 3 p.m. shortly after takeoff. Moments later, as the plane reached an altitude of 7,000 feet, passengers noticed smoke beginning to spread in the cabin and called for help from crew members.
When the flight attendants tried and located the source of the smoke, they opened the storage compartment meant for handbags and found two burning bags there. Several passengers took out their bags and bravely tried to extinguish the fire with their bare hands.
A passenger told Swiss media, “It felt like it went on forever, when it was only seconds and the fire was quickly extinguished. But when you’re on a flight and suddenly the smell of smoke wafts through your throat, So it’s scary because we’re basically ‘trapped’ inside a plane with no possibility of escape to breathe fresh air.”
Later, although the fire was successfully extinguished, the aircraft returned to its route and made an emergency landing at Geneva Airport.
Fire started by faulty e-cig battery
An investigation later determined that the fire was caused by a faulty electronic cigarette battery Packed in one of the bags placed in the carton.
The flight landed safely and emergency services called to the scene immediately went up to investigate the aircraft while at the same time checking passengers and no one was injured as a result of the incident.
Instructions to EasyJet passengers make it clear electronic cigarette And a maximum of two spare batteries can be brought on board the aircraft in hand luggage, but they must not be placed in the luggage compartment.