Chennai bound IndiGo flight diverted to Hyderabad after ablaze onboard: How power banks catch fire on plane?
IndiGo flight 6E 6115 from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad following 'smoke' onboard, the company said. Here's why a power bank can pose risk in an aircraft.
An IndiGo flight bound for Chennai experienced an emergency diversion to Hyderabad after smoke was detected aboard. The fire was traced back to a personal electronic device, specifically a power bank, carried by a passenger in the overhead compartment. Flight 6E 6115, carrying approximately 180 passengers and seven crew members, was safely landed at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.
Upon landing, the cabin crew managed to extinguish the flames, with passengers attempting to smother the fire using bags. IndiGo stated that they regret the inconvenience caused to their customers and are taking all measures to minimize the impact of the situation. Power banks, typically using lithium-based rechargeable batteries, are known to pose a risk on aircraft.
These batteries can overheat, leading to a chain reaction that generates intense heat, toxic smoke, and flames. In an enclosed space like an aircraft, the situation can be particularly dangerous due to limited space, smoke, and difficulty accessing emergency equipment. Experts recommend avoiding power banks that are swollen, damaged, or recalled, and to immediately inform cabin crew if any unusual heat, burning smell, hissing sound, or smoke is noticed.
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