Power bank catches fire aboard easyJet flight, forcing evacuation

Passengers were evacuated using emergency chutes after a power bank reportedly caught fire on an easyJet flight taxiing at Milan Malpensa Airport, Italy, according to a report by Tribune Online.

The Airbus A320, bound for Prague, was on the runway when cabin crew spotted smoke from an overhead locker, prompting the captain to abort takeoff. All 146 passengers escaped through emergency exits, with two sustaining minor injuries. Ambulances and fire crews responded, while passengers on nearby taxiing aircraft were also evacuated as a precaution.

Italy’s air accident investigation agency, ANSV, believes an overheating lithium power bank sparked the fire. EasyJet prohibits power banks from being used to charge devices onboard, requiring them to be carried in hand luggage only.