Passengers evacuated from easyJet flight after powerbank catches fire

The plane was taxiing when the fire started

Passengers fled down emergency chutes after a power bank burst into flames on a taxiing easyJet plane. The Airbus A320 was evacuated after a power bank caught fire in an overhead locker on Thursday.

Smoke filled the cabin while the aircraft was still on the taxiway. Pilots declared a mayday and ordered everyone off the plane. The incident happened at Milan Malpensa Airport in Italy as flight U23905 left Terminal 2.

The jet stopped beside the airport fire station. All 146 passengers left the aircraft. Two suffered slight bruises coming down the inflatable slides.

Firefighters based at the airport reached the plane within minutes, with an ambulance close behind. Early findings point to a lithium power bank overheating in a trolley bag in an overhead locker. Cabin crew spotted smoke and the captain halted the taxi towards the runway.

Airport operator SEA stopped take-offs and landings while crews dealt with the emergency situation. Runway 35L reopened an hour later. The second runway, 35R, stayed shut for another hour so the jet could be towed away and checked.

Italy’s air accident agency, ANSV, has opened a safety inquiry. Passengers on other taxiing jets were also taken off as a precaution. Eurocontrol told inbound flights to use alternative airports during the stoppage.

No serious injuries were reported. Most airlines ban power banks from the hold. EasyJet allows two in the cabin, but they cannot be used to charge devices in flight.

The service left Malpensa several hours late on Thursday evening. Police and fire investigators are examining the burnt device and the bag it was in.