Laptop catches fire on US flight, with passenger treated at airport
One person has received medical treatment after a passenger's laptop caught fire on an American Airlines flight.
A passenger's laptop caught fire on American Airlines Flight 2398, leading to medical treatment for one individual at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. The pilot reported a "cabin fire in the back of the airplane" to air traffic control, and flight attendants were attempting to extinguish the flames. One passenger required on-site medical attention and was later released.
The incident occurred during the flight's landing at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on Friday. American Airlines assured the public that the plane landed safely after reports of smoke from a customer's device. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) highlights the risks associated with lithium batteries, which can overheat due to various factors such as damage, overheating, exposure to water, overcharging, or improper packing.
The FAA has recorded 58 verified lithium battery incidents this year involving smoke, fire, or extreme heat. Over the past two decades, 84 incidents were specifically related to laptops. The FAA advises that lithium batteries should be stored in carry-on baggage only. In May, an EasyJet flight from Egypt was diverted to Rome after a power bank charging in a passenger's luggage led to concerns.
The incident underscores the importance of awareness regarding the potential hazards of portable chargers, which the UK's aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority, warns can pose serious risks of overheating or catching fire.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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