A laptop caught fire on American Airlines Flight 2398, burning five passengers and filling the cabin with smoke with just 30 minutes left before landing. The incident occurred on Friday as the flight carried 133 people from Atlanta to Dallas.
Audio from the cockpit captured the pilot reporting the emergency to air traffic controllers. The pilot said: “Cabin fire in the back of the airplane.” They added: “The flight attendants are trying to put it out now.”
Pilot reports burned passengers and contained device
In a further update, the pilot stated: “I think we have about four to five passengers that were burned by the laptop. The laptop is contained about mid-aircraft.”
Flight attendants worked to extinguish the fire as smoke spread through the cabin. The owner of the laptop reportedly placed it in the aisle, with other passengers assisting. Within about five minutes, the device was secured in a thermal containment bag, according to the Daily Mail.
Passenger describes close proximity to fire
Passenger Jessica Irgens, who spoke to CBS News, said she was seated just two rows away when the fire broke out.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport confirmed that one passenger received medical treatment after the aircraft landed. The plane landed safely.
Airline response and investigation
American Airlines stated: “American Airlines flight 2398 landed safely at DFW after reports of smoke from a customer's device during landing. We thank our crew for their professionalism and swift response to quickly contain the device.”
The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the incident. Passengers are reminded that airlines and countries may impose restrictions on electronics carried in hand luggage, and that items such as lithium batteries, e-cigarettes, and vapes must be carried in hand luggage.
