"Walichomeka": 4 injured after laptop catches fire in plane with 133 passengers

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- A laptop battery ignited mid-flight aboard American Airlines Flight 2398, which was carrying 133 passengers from Atlanta to Dallas

- The pilot reported over air traffic control audio that four to five passengers suffered burns to their hands from the incident

- Flight attendants used a thermal containment bag to bring the fire under control before the aircraft landed safely at Dallas-Fort Worth

A laptop battery caught fire aboard an American Airlines flight travelling from Atlanta to Dallas on Friday, August 22, leaving multiple passengers with burn injuries.

The incident occurred on Flight 2398, an Airbus A321 carrying approximately 133 people that had departed Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

According to the BBC report, the aircraft landed safely at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport at around 6.55pm local time.

What happened on board

Cabin crew responded swiftly, using a thermal containment bag to smother the burning device, which was located roughly mid-aircraft.

Air traffic control audio obtained by CBS Texas captured the pilot confirming the nature of the emergency as the plane approached Dallas-Fort Worth.

"I think we have about four to five passengers that were burned by the laptop," the pilot said in the recording obtained by the Independent UK. "The laptop is contained about mid-aircraft. Once we taxi clear, I guess the best plan to follow is to the gate or any way you guys can board?"

The pilot confirmed the injuries were burns to passengers' hands. Emergency personnel were waiting on the ground when the aircraft arrived at the gate, in line with standard procedure.

One patient was treated at the scene and subsequently released, according to a Dallas-Fort Worth Airport spokesperson.

American Airline responds to fire incident

American Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the flight landed safely "after reports of smoke from a customer's device during landing. We thank our crew for their professionalism and swift response to quickly contain the device."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has long cautioned that lithium batteries, including those found in laptops, smartphones, portable chargers, and charging cases, are at risk of overheating due to damage, exposure to water, overcharging, or improper packing.

The FAA has recorded 58 such incidents involving lithium batteries on flights, underscoring the persistent safety risk posed by the technology aboard commercial aircraft.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.