An IndiGo flight from Hyderabad to Chandigarh underwent an emergency evacuation after a lithium-ion power bank exploded on board [1], [2].
The incident highlights the persistent safety risks associated with portable battery devices in aviation, where thermal runaway can lead to rapid fires in confined cabins.
The device caught fire and exploded after the aircraft landed at Chandigarh airport [2], [3]. Smoke filled the cabin, forcing crew members to initiate an emergency evacuation of all passengers and staff [2], [3].
Reports indicate that five passengers were injured during the event [1]. However, other reports specify that no major injuries were reported among the occupants [3]. There were 198 passengers on board the aircraft at the time of the incident [1].
The power bank malfunctioned, igniting a fire that is a known risk associated with lithium-battery technology [1], [2], [3]. Aviation authorities have opened an investigation to determine the exact cause of the device failure and to review the response protocols followed by the crew [1], [2].
IndiGo and airport officials managed the scene on the tarmac, ensuring all individuals exited the plane safely [2]. The investigation will likely focus on whether the device met safety standards or if external factors contributed to the explosion [1].
“Five passengers were injured after a lithium-ion battery caught fire.”
This incident underscores the volatility of lithium-ion batteries, which can undergo thermal runaway if damaged or defective. As the reliance on high-capacity portable chargers grows, aviation regulators face increasing pressure to tighten restrictions on battery specifications and enhance crew training for chemical fires that cannot be extinguished with standard water-based methods.
