Open in App
  • Local
  • U.S.
  • Election
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Education
  • Real Estate
  • Newsletter
  • New York Post

    London-bound flight descends into panic after passenger’s vape explodes: ‘Smoke coming towards us’

    By Zoe Hussain,

    6 days ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3lcK8I_0vdc13BB00

    Dramatic videos show plane passengers racing to escape down emergency slides after a vape exploded in a carry-on bag.

    All 236 passengers were forced to evacuate the easyJet flight from Greece to London Gatwick Airport on Tuesday after smoke suddenly filled the cabin just before takeoff — with some screaming false fears that there was a “bomb,” according to the Independent.

    “I could smell and see smoke coming towards us from the front of the plane,” Malachi Griffith, who was traveling with his dad, told Storyful.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1JYwED_0vdc13BB00
    Passengers aboard the London-bound flight described smoke that filled the cabin after the fire. Malachi Griffith via Storyful

    Squeak attack! Airplane forced to land after mouse jumps out of passenger’s meal

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3YkJOB_0vdc13BB00
    No passengers were injured by the fire that started before the plane departed. Malachi Griffith via Storyful

    “Then a girl ran down the aisle with a bag…with smoke [coming] out of it and then there was a cracking noise, which was the sound of the flames,” he said, saying it “caused panic.”

    JetBlue to open ‘exclusive’ airport lounges in NY, Boston

    Griffith was one of those who filmed fellow flyers racing to get out to safety on the emergency slides. Although no one was injured by fire, one passenger reportedly suffered friction burns from the slide.

    A power bank and e-cigarettes in a passenger’s carry-on appeared to be the source of the fire, according to officials.

    “EasyJet can confirm that flight EZY8216 from Heraklion to London Gatwick was evacuated during boarding prior to departure on 17 September, due to a fire in a passenger’s cabin bag,” the company told the Independent in a statement.

    “Fire services attended the aircraft and cabin crew evacuated the aircraft in line with procedures.

    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR MORNING REPORT NEWSLETTER

    “Customers were looked after in the terminal while a replacement aircraft and crew were arranged to fly customers home later the same day. Safety is our highest priority.”

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2rf2LT_0vdc13BB00
    Passengers were evacuated using the plane’s emergency slides. Malachi Griffith via Storyful

    Although uncommon, vape explosions can be dangerous to those vaping or in surrounding areas. Added dangers occur when vape fires come into contact with propellants such as oxygen, propane, and gasoline, according to the US Food and Drug Administration.

    This wasn’t the only tech-related incident to set a cabin ablaze this year.

    In July, an American Airlines flight was evacuated and three passengers were injured at San Francisco International Airport after a fire was started by a passenger’s laptop.

    For top headlines, breaking news and more, visit nypost.com.

    Expand All
    Comments / 21
    Add a Comment
    Guest
    3d ago
    Ban all electronic devices from planes
    Spudnut 1
    4d ago
    Sounds like the idiot was charging his vape from the power bank while in his bag. Most lithium battery fires start during charging as a result of overheating. I guess they wanted to make sure the vape was ready for a big drag when the plane landed...🙄
    View all comments
    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
    Local News newsLocal News
    Jacksonville Today32 minutes ago
    Total Apex Sports & Entertainment5 hours ago

    Comments / 0