Jessica Irgens witnessed a laptop battery fire on an American Airlines flight that landed safely in Dallas.
An American Airlines flight from Atlanta to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport landed safely on Friday after a passenger's laptop battery caught fire mid-air. The aircraft, carrying 133 people, experienced smoke and flames in the back of the cabin approximately 30 minutes before landing. Flight attendants and passengers worked together to contain the fire using a thermal containment bag, with the user of the laptop placing the device in the aisle to help manage the flames. Jessica Irgens, a passenger on the board, described the experience as terrifying and noted that several passengers were visibly shocked. The pilot reported to air traffic control that four to five passengers may have suffered minor burns from the laptop. One passenger was treated and released on the scene by emergency personnel who met the aircraft at the gate. The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating the incident, noting that lithium batteries can undergo 'thermal runaway' without warning due to factors such as overheating or being improperly packed.
Sources
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Laptop Fire on American Airlines Flight Injures at Least One Passenger
The New York Times
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Pilot reports possible burn injuries after passenger's laptop catches fire on American Airlines flight
CBS News
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Person treated after device catches fire on American Airlines flight to Dallas
NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
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‘I just saw the smoke:’ Passengers injured on flight from Atlanta to Dallas from laptop fire
WSB-TV
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American Airlines flight lands safely after laptop battery catches fire on board; passenger injured
Yahoo