Passengers Evacuate easyJet Flight After Power Bank Fire

An easyJet flight was evacuated at Milan Malpensa Airport, Italy, after a power bank reportedly caught fire while the Airbus A320 was taxiing. Cabin crew noticed smoke from an overhead locker, prompting the captain to abandon take-off and deploy inflatable emergency chutes.

All 146 passengers safely exited through emergency exits, while ambulances and fire crews responded to the scene. Two individuals on board sustained minor injuries during the evacuation.

The Italian air accident investigation agency, ANSV, suspects that a lithium power bank overheated and ignited, leading to the incident. This event follows a previous easyJet flight diversion due to a power bank left in a suitcase. easyJet has reiterated that power banks are prohibited from use on their aircraft and must be carried in carry-on baggage, ideally monitored by the passenger.

In May, the UK Civil Aviation Authority warned about delays caused by improperly packed electrical devices, including power banks.