EasyJet flight evacuated after ‘bag of vapes’ explodes in the cabin
The smoking carry-on scorched the aisle of the London-bound flight
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An easyJet flight from Greece to the UK was forced to evacuate using the emergency slides after a vape exploded inside a passenger’s carry-on bag.
Flight EZY8261 from Heraklion, Crete, was due to depart for London Gatwick at 1.55pm on Tuesday (17 September) when “popping noises” and “smoke” filled the cabin.
According to officials, a power bank and e-cigarettes inside a passenger carry-on are believed to have caused the commotion during boarding.
All 236 passengers were evacuated from the London-bound flight and onto the runway within minutes.
Those onboard the Airbus A321 told MailOnline that “a very large red flash and flame” was “followed by thick black smoke”.
Witnesses say that the alight bag was dropped in the aisle as “smoke filled the cabin” and panicked passengers started “screaming bomb”.
No passengers were injured by the fire, however, one reportedly suffered friction burns while evacuating the aircraft via the emergency slide.
Emergency services attended the easyJet aircraft on the tarmac, and the flight was consequently postponed, departing for London after 11pm.
A spokesperson for easyJet said in a statement: “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.
“Fire services attended the aircraft and cabin crew evacuated the aircraft in line with procedures.
“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.”
It’s not the first time this year a fire has forced passengers to flee from an aircraft.
In July, passengers on an American Airlines plane were evacuated at San Francisco International Airport after a fire broke out inside the cabin.
Three people onboard Miami-bound flight 2045 suffered minor injuries, with one passenger hurt while exiting the plane on an inflatable slide.
For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments