A power bank explosion in an overhead locker sparked panic on a plane.
The pilot had to turn around and land at the departure airport just 15 minutes into the flight.
A passenger’s camera battery and power bank were found smouldering in the overhead locker.
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According to images, the burning items filled the cabin with thick smoke.
Shouting passengers jumped to their feet to protest as a flight attendant appeared with what appeared to be a small fire extinguisher in her hands.
The blaze took place on China Southern Airlines flight CZ6850 from Hangzhou to Shenzhen in China on Saturday (31 May).
The pilot decided to return to Hangzhou International Airport after the passenger’s power bank started to burn shortly after takeoff.
An airline spokesperson said: “The crew handled it properly and quickly eliminated the safety risk.
“To ensure safety, the flight immediately returned to the airport and landed safely 15 minutes after take-off.”
They also confirmed that no one was injured and promised to help any passengers affected by the delay.
China Southern Airlines reminded customers to follow the civil aviation safety regulations concerning batteries and power banks on their flights.
Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department recently banned the overhead storage of power banks during flights, as reported by Need To Know.
However, passengers can still keep them in their carry-on luggage, under their seats, or in their pockets in front of them.
Passengers are not allowed to pack lithium batteries in their checked baggage.
Since April, Singapore Airlines banned the use of power banks during flights.
Thai Airways, China Airlines, Eva Air, and Air Asia have implemented similar restrictions.
On 20 March, an inbound Hong Kong Airlines flight from Hangzhou was forced to divert to Fuzhou after a power bank exploded in an overhead compartment.
In January, an Air Busan plane to Hong Kong was caught ablaze before takeoff and 176 passengers were evacuated.
The flames were believed to have been started by a passenger’s power bank in an overhead compartment.
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