A terrifying incident aboard a China Eastern Airlines flight has gone viral after a power bank suddenly burst into flames inside an overhead luggage compartment shortly after the aircraft landed at Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport in China. A video uploaded by CNN on Instagram is going viral after a power bank caught fire on a flight shortly after landing at Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport in China.
What exactly happened?
The video starts as the passenger opens the overhead baggage compartment to take out their bag, however, instead of bags, there is a fire erupting from the bag as it shoots out of the overhead compartment. The cabin crew and passengers were quick to respond to the fire as smoke billowed from the compartment.The video explains that the fire was caused by a “thermal runaway,” a chain reaction within the lithium-ion battery that was inside of the power bank. He notes that the overheated battery in the power bank could’ve caused a serious hazard as the power bank was stored in an overhead compartment.“Thermal runaway” can occur in lithium-ion power banks that are stored in overhead compartments on airplanes.The video, which was uploaded to Instagram, has many comments from people stunned by the sudden eruption of fire. Some stated that the video made them reconsider bringing a power bank on their next trip as a number of commenters noted their own experiences with electronics overheating.
Reactions on social media
One commenter wrote, “Can we carry a portable charger in our purse and not in the overhead compartment or is that dangerous as well? I need the portable charger to travel to another country tho,” while another commenter wrote, “That’s exactly why they DO ACTUALLY WANT THEM THERE. imagine if this happened in the hold.” Another commenter wrote, “Lithium-ion batteries are no joke. People really need to be more careful.” A number of commenters commended the cabin crew for their quick response and ability to control the situation, as many believed that it was a good display of emergency readiness.The fire, which broke out on the China Eastern Airlines flight, is just another reminder of why lithium-ion batteries, which are used to power many electronic devices, are a hazard to airplanes. If short-circuited, damaged, or exposed to high temperatures, the lithium-ion battery can overheat, catch fire, and even explode.Most airlines require that passengers keep power banks in their cabin luggage rather than in checked bags so that the overheating of the battery can be controlled. Aviation authorities have also implemented restrictions on the size and number of lithium-ion batteries that can be brought on board an airplane.
Items not allowed on a flight (in your carry-on luggage)
* Explosives, fireworks, flares, and dynamite.* Guns and ammunition (except when transported in accordance with airline and local regulations).* Pepper spray or mace (prohibited or heavily restricted in many countries).* Flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel, and paint thinner.* Bleach, strong acids, and other corrosive substances.* Radioactive, toxic, or other hazardous materials.* Hoverboards with non-approved or damaged lithium-ion batteries (rules vary by airline).Items with restrictions* Liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols over 100 ml per container are not allowed in carry-on baggage. Containers of 100 ml or less must fit in a single transparent, resealable bag (typically up to 1 litre).* Sharp objects such as knives, box cutters, and loose razor blades are not allowed in carry-on baggage. Safety razors are generally permitted.* Scissors may be allowed in carry-on depending on blade length and local security regulations.Tools and sporting equipment* Tools such as hammers, drills, and large screwdrivers are not allowed in carry-on baggage.* Sporting equipment that could be used as a weapon, such as baseball bats, hockey sticks, cricket bats, and golf clubs, is generally not allowed in carry-on baggage.Lithium batteries, power banks, and electronics* Power banks and spare lithium batteries must be carried in your carry-on baggage, not checked baggage.* Damaged, swollen, or recalled lithium batteries are prohibited.* Batteries above certain watt-hour limits may require airline approval.Food and drinks* Alcohol containing more than 70% alcohol by volume is generally prohibited.* Large quantities of liquids cannot pass through airport security in carry-on baggage.* Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and some other food items may be restricted or prohibited by the destination country’s customs regulations.Also read: Woman looking for a hotel accidentally messages women’s jail; response goes viralSoftware engineer who quit ₹23 lakh job reveals how she and her husband earned ₹1.09 crore as content creatorsWhat can go in checked baggage but not carry-on?Many items that are prohibited in carry-on baggage can be packed in checked baggage, including:* Knives and multi-tools.* Large sporting equipment.* Large quantities of liquids (subject to airline and customs rules).* Most tools, such as hammers and screwdrivers.
