Airline passengers were forced to flee after a suitcase randomly burst into flames while on the bridge to the aircraft.
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The terrifying incident occurred at the Hongqiao Airport in Shanghai, China on Sunday, Oct. 20. The airline passengers were making their way off of flight CA2821, arriving from Tianjin.
As one passenger departed the aircraft, their bag suddenly burst into flames. Others quickly noticed the fire and began to panic. The flames caused smoke to fill the terminal.
Petrified passengers flee as bridge to plane catches on fire
— MP (@Mp220Mp) October 22, 2024
The fiery incident occurred Sunday at Hongqiao Airport in Shanghai, China while the travelers were disembarking flight CA2821.
The aircraft had touched down at around 4:30 p.m. after flying in from Tianjin. pic.twitter.com/hj3gacv22L
Authorities arrived on the scene, extinguishing the flames and ventilating the area. No injuries were reported in the incident.
It was further reported that the fire was caused by a faulty power bank located in the passenger’s baggage.
The Federal Aviation Administration Warned About Lithium Batteries Catching Fire
This isn’t the first time baggage has burst into flames while on an airplane. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a document in 2020 detailing how lithium batteries can catch fire if damaged or if battery terminals are short-circulated.
“Devices containing lithium metal batteries or lithium ion batteries, including – but not limited to – smartphones, tablets, cameras and laptops, should be kept in carry-on baggage,” the FAA advises.
“If these devices are packed in checked baggage, they should be turned completely off, protected from accidental activation and packed so they are protected from damage. Requirements vary based on the type of device and size of battery.”
The FAA then revealed that spare (uninstalled) lithium metal batteries and lithium ion batteries, portable rechargers, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devices are prohibited in checked baggage. “They must be carried with the passenger in carry-on baggage. Smoke and fire incidents involving lithium batteries can be mitigated by the cabin crew and passengers inside the aircraft cabin.”
If carry-on baggage is checked at the gate or planeside, spare lithium batteries, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devices must be removed. They are then to be kept with the airline passenger in the aircraft cabin.
“Even in carry-on baggage, these items should be protected from damage, accidental activation and short circuits,” the FAA noted. “Battery terminals should be protected by manufacturer’s packaging or covered with tape and placed in separate bags to prevent short circuits.”
The FAA then added that damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries must not be carried in carry-on or checked baggage. “If they are likely to be a safety concern by overheating or catching on fire. When in doubt, leave it out.”