CHANDIGARH – High drama and panic unfolded at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport on Tuesday afternoon when an IndiGo flight from Hyderabad was forced into an emergency evacuation following a battery fire on the tarmac.
The incident occurred around 3:30 PM shortly after Flight 6E108 had touched down and was taxiing. According to officials, the chaos began when a passenger’s power bank suddenly exploded, sending plumes of acrid smoke throughout the cabin.
Swift Crew Response Prevents Disaster
As smoke began to fill the aircraft, sparking fear among the travelers, the cabin crew acted within seconds. Utilizing onboard fire safety equipment, the crew managed to contain the source of the fire before it could spread to the aircraft’s interior or seating.
To ensure the safety of everyone on board, the pilot ordered an immediate evacuation. The aircraft’s emergency slides were deployed, and all 180 passengers and crew members exited onto the tarmac.
Casualties and Safety Report
While the fire was quickly extinguished, the frantic nature of the evacuation led to several minor injuries.
- Total Passengers: 180 (all accounted for).
- Injuries: Five passengers sustained minor injuries during the slide evacuation and were transported to a nearby hospital for observation.
- Status: All passengers and crew members are reported to be in stable condition.
Investigation Underway
Airport authorities and IndiGo officials have launched a formal investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest the fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery malfunction within the power bank.
The incident caused a temporary disruption to flight schedules at Chandigarh Airport, though operations returned to normal by early evening. Passengers are reminded to ensure their electronic devices and portable chargers meet safety standards before boarding.
