A recent easyJet flight headed to London Gatwick was forced to make an emergency landing after a bag of vapes exploded on board. The plane had taken off from Heraklion, Greece, carrying 236 passengers. Moments after takeoff, panic spread through the cabin as popping noises and thick black smoke filled the aircraft.
London-Bound easyJet Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Vape Explodes Aboard
According to reports by NDTV World, one passenger described seeing a “very large red flash and flame followed by thick black smoke”. This caused immediate alarm, with some passengers shouting “bomb” and others rushing to get to safety. Witnesses reported seeing fire and smoke coming from a passenger’s bag, with loud popping noises echoing throughout the cabin.
The explosion is believed to have been caused by a power bank and e-cigarettes inside a passenger’s cabin bag. One witness claimed they saw a British woman holding the vape, waving it around as smoke began to pour out. The situation quickly escalated, sparking widespread fear among the passengers.
Also Read: UK Govt Is Encouraging Smokers To Switch To Vapes From Cigarettes. Well?
No Serious Injuries Reported
Despite the explosion and resulting chaos, none of the passengers were seriously injured. One individual did sustain a minor friction burn while using the evacuation slide, but no burn injuries from the blast itself were reported. Emergency services responded swiftly. Upon landing, passengers were evacuated from the aircraft on the runway, following reports of the popping noises and smoke. Firefighters attended the scene, and the aircraft was cleared for re-entry after a thorough investigation.
The passengers were taken care of in the terminal while they awaited further instructions. NDTV World reported that EasyJet provided a replacement aircraft and crew to ensure everyone could continue their journey to London Gatwick later that day. The incident highlights the potential dangers of carrying lithium-ion batteries and electronic devices on commercial flights. Vapes and power banks, in particular, pose a risk when not stored or handled properly. This event serves as a reminder for airlines and passengers alike to remain vigilant when it comes to safety protocols surrounding electronic devices.
Passengers who witnessed the incident were left shaken but relieved that the situation was handled quickly and efficiently. EasyJet’s prompt response ensured that all passengers were safe, and the flight resumed without further incident.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to understand what led to the explosion. For now, it has sparked a conversation about the safety measures in place for electronic devices on flights and whether stricter regulations are needed to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.