A power bank caught fire on an IndiGo flight at Chandigarh airport on Tuesday, leading to the declaration of an emergency. The incident occurred while the aircraft was preparing for departure, causing panic among passengers and crew.
Incident Details
The IndiGo flight, operating from Chandigarh to Delhi, was taxiing on the runway when smoke was detected emanating from a passenger's carry-on bag. The crew immediately alerted the cockpit, and the pilot declared an emergency. The aircraft was quickly brought to a halt, and emergency slides were deployed.
Passenger Evacuation
All passengers and crew members were evacuated safely. Airport fire tenders and medical teams rushed to the scene. No injuries were reported. The power bank was later removed and extinguished by airport safety personnel.
Investigation Underway
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest that the power bank may have been defective or damaged. This incident highlights the potential risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in air travel.
Safety Guidelines
Aviation authorities recommend that passengers carry power banks in cabin baggage and ensure they are in good condition. Damaged or swollen batteries should not be brought on board. Airlines also advise keeping power banks in accessible locations to allow quick action in case of thermal runaway.
The IndiGo flight was delayed by several hours as safety checks were conducted. The airline has apologized to passengers and offered compensation. This is the latest in a series of incidents involving lithium-ion batteries on aircraft, prompting calls for stricter regulations.
