Asiana Airlines Flight Lands Safely in Hong Kong After Power Bank Fire Aboard
Portable lithium battery overheats mid-flight, crew extinguishes blaze and one passenger is treated for burns
An Asiana Airlines flight from Seoul’s Incheon International Airport to Hong Kong International Airport landed safely on Thursday night after a portable power bank carried by a passenger ignited in the cabin, causing a small fire and injuring one individual.
The incident occurred approximately two hours into the flight when the power bank experienced a thermal runaway event, producing flames that were swiftly brought under control by the cabin crew with an on-board fire extinguisher.
The aircraft continued its journey and touched down normally without requiring an emergency diversion.
The injured passenger, who was in possession of the power bank, sustained burns to their hand and received medical attention after landing, according to local reports.
Cabin crew acted promptly, extinguishing the fire within one to two minutes and ensuring the safety of all 284 people on board.
Both the Hong Kong Airport Authority and local police said they were not called to assist, indicating that the situation was contained entirely on board.
Asiana Airlines confirmed that the flight, designated OZ745, arrived at Hong Kong International Airport on schedule late Thursday evening.
The airline reiterated that such incidents underscore the importance of strict compliance with regulations governing the carriage and use of portable electronic devices with lithium-ion batteries.
Aviation authorities typically prohibit power banks in checked luggage and impose limits on capacity and handling to mitigate fire risks.
This event follows similar lithium battery-related safety concerns globally, which have prompted airlines and regulators to tighten rules on the carriage and use of power banks and other portable chargers during flights.
The swift action by crew members in this instance prevented a potentially more serious situation and allowed the aircraft to complete its scheduled journey without further disruption.
The incident occurred approximately two hours into the flight when the power bank experienced a thermal runaway event, producing flames that were swiftly brought under control by the cabin crew with an on-board fire extinguisher.
The aircraft continued its journey and touched down normally without requiring an emergency diversion.
The injured passenger, who was in possession of the power bank, sustained burns to their hand and received medical attention after landing, according to local reports.
Cabin crew acted promptly, extinguishing the fire within one to two minutes and ensuring the safety of all 284 people on board.
Both the Hong Kong Airport Authority and local police said they were not called to assist, indicating that the situation was contained entirely on board.
Asiana Airlines confirmed that the flight, designated OZ745, arrived at Hong Kong International Airport on schedule late Thursday evening.
The airline reiterated that such incidents underscore the importance of strict compliance with regulations governing the carriage and use of portable electronic devices with lithium-ion batteries.
Aviation authorities typically prohibit power banks in checked luggage and impose limits on capacity and handling to mitigate fire risks.
This event follows similar lithium battery-related safety concerns globally, which have prompted airlines and regulators to tighten rules on the carriage and use of power banks and other portable chargers during flights.
The swift action by crew members in this instance prevented a potentially more serious situation and allowed the aircraft to complete its scheduled journey without further disruption.
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