A laptop reportedly overheated and caught fire aboard an American Airlines passenger flight in the United States, leaving at least five passengers with minor injuries.
The incident occurred on Saturday, August 22, on a flight traveling from Atlanta to Dallas. There were 133 people on board, including passengers, pilots and crew members.
According to the pilot, the laptop suddenly overheated while the aircraft was in the air before bursting into flames. Five passengers suffered minor injuries during the incident.
Crew Quickly Extinguish the Fire
Flight attendants and other crew members responded immediately and managed to put out the fire before it could spread.
The pilot subsequently diverted the aircraft and made a precautionary landing at an airport in Dallas.
After the plane landed, one injured passenger was taken to a hospital for further treatment, while the others received medical attention at the airport.
American Airlines praised the flight crew for their quick response and for bringing the aircraft safely to the ground despite the emergency.
Lithium Battery Suspected
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the fire was caused by an overheating lithium battery inside the laptop.
Lithium-ion batteries can generate significant heat when damaged or malfunctioning. In confined environments such as aircraft cabins, battery-related fires can pose a serious safety risk, making rapid action by cabin crews particularly important.
