Summary
An IndiGo flight traveling from Hyderabad to Chandigarh faced a serious safety scare on Tuesday afternoon when a passenger's power bank caught fire. The incident happened just after the plane landed at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport around 3:30 pm. All 198 passengers and six crew members had to leave the aircraft quickly using emergency slides. While most people were unhurt, one woman suffered a leg injury during the rush to exit the plane.
Main Impact
The primary impact of this event was the immediate danger posed to over 200 people on board the aircraft. When smoke began to fill the cabin, it created a high-pressure situation for both the flight crew and the travelers. The use of emergency sliders is a serious measure reserved for life-threatening situations, showing how quickly the crew had to act to prevent smoke inhalation or further fire damage. This event also caused a temporary disruption at the Chandigarh airport, as emergency vehicles, including an Air Force fire truck, were called to the scene to ensure the fire did not spread to the rest of the plane.
Key Details
What Happened
The trouble started on IndiGo flight 6E 108. A passenger sitting in seat 39C noticed that a bag was emitting smoke and fire. This was caused by a small explosion of a power bank kept inside the luggage. The flight crew acted fast by using a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. However, even after the fire was controlled, thick smoke continued to spread through the cabin. Because the plane was already parked at Bay 1, the pilots and crew decided that the safest option was to open the emergency doors and get everyone out immediately.
Important Numbers and Facts
The flight carried a total of 204 people, including 198 passengers and 6 crew members. The incident took place on May 5, 2026, at approximately 3:30 pm. During the emergency exit, one female passenger dislocated her ankle and required medical help. She was later taken to a private hospital for treatment. The aircraft involved in the incident was grounded for safety checks, which caused the return flight to Hyderabad to be delayed by about one hour. Fortunately, no other major injuries or structural damage to the airport were reported.
Background and Context
Power banks and other electronic devices use lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are known to be a safety risk on airplanes because they can overheat and catch fire if they are damaged or have a manufacturing fault. This is known as a thermal event. Because of this risk, airlines have strict rules that power banks must be carried in hand luggage and not in checked bags. This is so the crew can reach them quickly if they start to smoke. In this case, the fire happened while the plane was on the ground, which made the evacuation easier than if it had happened high in the air. This event highlights why flight attendants always ask passengers to be careful with their electronic devices during a flight.
Public or Industry Reaction
IndiGo released a statement shortly after the event, confirming that the fire was caused by a customer's personal electronic device. The airline praised the crew for following safety protocols and ensuring that all passengers reached the terminal safely. The Airport CEO, Ajay Verma, stated that they are waiting for a full technical report from the airline to understand exactly what went wrong. Passengers at the airport described a scene of quick action, with many feeling relieved that the crew managed the smoke before it became a larger fire. Aviation experts often point to such cases as a reminder for travelers to only buy high-quality, certified batteries for their phones and laptops.
What This Means Going Forward
The aircraft will stay out of service until engineers can check for any damage caused by the fire or the chemicals from the fire extinguisher. IndiGo and aviation safety authorities will likely conduct a full investigation into the brand and condition of the power bank involved. For travelers, this serves as a warning to check their devices for signs of swelling or heat before flying. Airlines may also increase their efforts to educate passengers about the dangers of lithium batteries. The quick evacuation shows that emergency training for flight crews is effective, but it also shows that even small electronic items can cause a major emergency in a closed environment like an airplane cabin.
Final Take
This incident is a clear reminder that safety on a plane depends on both the crew and the passengers. While the fire was small, the smoke made the plane unsafe, leading to a full emergency response. The successful evacuation of over 200 people without major loss of life shows that safety systems work, but it also highlights the constant risks posed by everyday technology in the sky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the IndiGo flight have to be evacuated?
The flight was evacuated because a passenger's power bank exploded and caught fire, filling the cabin with smoke shortly after the plane landed in Chandigarh.
Was anyone hurt during the emergency?
One woman dislocated her ankle while using the emergency slide to exit the plane. She was taken to a hospital, but no other injuries were reported among the 198 passengers.
Are power banks allowed on flights?
Yes, power banks are allowed but they must be kept in your carry-on bag. They are not allowed in checked luggage because they can catch fire, and the crew needs to be able to reach them to put out any flames.
