EasyJet passengers were forced to evacuate a commercial flight after a lithium power bank burst into flames.
The Airbus A320 bound for Prague was evacuated at Milan Malpensa Airport after a fire broke out in an overhead locker, forcing terrified passengers to flee down inflatable emergency chutes.
Read Also: Police confirm first arrest for 'concealing identity' at Portsmouth migration protest
The aircraft had been taxiing for takeoff when crew members noticed smoke billowing from the overhead compartment.
Upon spotting the fire, the captain immediately halted departure and ordered a full emergency evacuation.
All 146 passengers escaped through the plane’s emergency exits using the deployed slides as emergency services raced to the scene.
Italy’s air accident investigation body, ANSV, has attributed the blaze to an overheating lithium power bank.
Two of those aboard the Prague-bound flight sustained minor injuries while exiting the aircraft.
Fire engines and ambulances were dispatched to the scene without delay.
As a precautionary measure, passengers on other planes that had been taxiing in the vicinity were also removed from their aircraft.
ANSV, the Italian agency that investigates aviation incidents, concluded that a portable lithium battery pack overheated in the overhead storage bin and triggered the fire.
The device is believed to have spontaneously combusted, producing the smoke that cabin crew first detected before the situation rapidly escalated into a full-scale emergency.
The incident is not an isolated one for the carrier.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
- EasyJet axes all flights from UK airport as passengers offered full refunds
- EasyJet launches recruitment drive for over-50s and admits customers prefer ‘life experience’ from older crew
- EasyJet blocks disabled athletes from flight over lack of wheelchair space
A previous easyJet service was forced to divert after a passenger had left a charging bank packed inside their checked luggage.
The airline’s own website makes clear that “power banks are prohibited from use on easyJet aircraft and must not be used to charge other devices.”
It further advises that “power banks must be carried in carry-on baggage only and it is recommended that power banks are carried when they can be monitored, i.e., on your person.”
The episode also underscores wider industry concerns.
In May, the UK Civil Aviation Authority warned that improperly packed electronic devices, including vapes and power banks, were causing growing disruption to summer flight schedules.
An easyJet spokesman told GB News: “easyJet can confirm that flight EJU3905 from Milan Malpensa to Prague on 10 September was required to evacuate whilst taxiing to the runway due to reports of smoke in the cabin. Emergency services attended the aircraft.
“Our crew are trained to respond quickly and effectively and so they safely evacuated all passengers who were coached to the terminal building.
“A replacement flight operated later that evening. Customers were provided with refreshment drinks at the airport and received support and regular updates throughout.
“The safety of our customers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers’ guidelines.”
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
