A portable charger ignited fire aboard a plane bound for Vietnam in South Korea, causing anxiety among passengers and eliciting an emergency response.
The incident happened as the plane was about to take off around 9 p.m. on September 24, when it was on the tarmac at the Incheon International Airport, preparing to fly to Da Nang.
The fire reportedly broke out in a passenger’s bag under the seat. Aircrew members worked quickly to put out the fire. After the fire was put out, firefighters were called to assess the condition of the passengers and inspect the aircraft. Firefighters then discovered the power bank hidden inside the bag.
The aircraft had a total of 221 passengers and an aircrew of seven. Most passengers were families visiting their relatives in Da Nang for the Chuseok holiday in South Korea.
After the incident, passengers reported some breathing problems due to smoke inhalation. However, nobody needed hospitalization based on what the authorities reported.
In compliance with safety regulations, the airline evacuated all the passengers and arranged another aircraft for their journey, until the inspection of the original aircraft was completed. Finally, the consumers boarded the new aircraft two hours and fifty minutes later than the planned time.
Both airline and firefighting authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. According to reports during the flight, a power bank started a fire even though the passsenger was said to have taken measures in order to prevent a short circuit.
The company plans to take measures to avoid the similar situations.
The event raised alarms regarding the potential hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries and portable recharging equipment aboard aircraft. Power banks tend to heat up or enter thermal runaway. This phenomenon can cause a battery to produce extreme heat, emit smoke or ignite flames.
Several major incidents taking place in 2026 have raised both international and national concern as they involved power banks that have blown up or ignited onboard an aircraft.
The latest incident emphasizes how important it is to follow the regulations established by airlines while carrying portable batteries and how crucial it is for the cabin crew to react properly.
