Airport shut down after fireplace erupts on EasyJet flight as passengers ‘flee down slides’
The Airbus A320 was evacuated after a power bank caught fire in an overhead locker on September 10. Smoke filled the cabin while the aircraft was still on the taxiway at Milan Malpensa Airport
Passengers escaped down emergency slides after a power bank exploded into flames on a taxiing EasyJet aircraft, with a major airport shut down during the horror incident.
The Airbus A320 was evacuated after a power bank ignited in an overhead compartment yesterday (September 10). Smoke engulfed the cabin while the aircraft was still on the taxiway. Pilots declared a mayday and commanded everyone off the plane.
The incident occurred at Milan Malpensa Airport in Italy as flight U23905 departed Terminal 2 heading for the Czech capital Prague. The aircraft had to be pushed back at 5.24pm and halted next to the airport fire station.
Passengers disembarking down the emergency slides(Image: Jam Press)
All 146 passengers exited the aircraft. Two sustained minor bruises sliding down the inflatable chutes.
Firefighters stationed at the airport reached the plane within minutes, with an ambulance following closely.
Initial investigations suggest a lithium power bank overheated in a wheeled bag in an overhead compartment.
The runway was shut down during the emergency incident(Image: Jam Press)
Cabin crew noticed smoke and the captain stopped the taxi towards the runway. Airport operator SEA suspended take-offs and landings while crews handled the emergency situation.
Runway 35L reopened at 6.35pm. The second runway, 35R, remained closed until 7.30pm so the aircraft could be towed away and inspected.
Italy’s air accident agency, ANSV, has launched a safety investigation. Passengers on other taxiing aircraft were also removed as a precaution.
Eurocontrol directed inbound flights to use alternative airports during the closure. No serious injuries were reported.
Most airlines prohibit power banks from the hold. EasyJet permits two in the cabin, but they can’t be used to charge devices during the flight.
SEA confirmed that the airport had resumed full operations by 7.30pm. The Prague service departed from Malpensa several hours late on Thursday evening.
Flight trackers indicate the same route arriving in Prague that night, as reported by creatorzine. com. Police and fire investigators are scrutinising the charred device and the bag it was contained in.
EasyJet has not released a public statement.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
