Chaos erupted on an EasyJet flight bound for London Gatwick from Heraklion, Greece, when a suspected vape pen explosion forced an emergency evacuation. The incident occurred on Tuesday as the aircraft was preparing for takeoff, sending panicked passengers scrambling down emergency slides.
Eyewitness Malachi Griffith recounted the harrowing experience, describing how he first heard “fizzing noises” before noticing a female passenger rushing down the aisle carrying a bag emitting smoke. The situation quickly escalated, with Griffith reporting, “I could smell and see smoke coming towards us from the front of the plane.” He added that a subsequent “cracking noise,” believed to be the sound of flames, further intensified the panic among those on board.
The alarming turn of events prompted immediate action from the flight crew, who initiated emergency protocols to ensure passenger safety. All 236 individuals on the flight were swiftly evacuated using the plane’s emergency slides. Video footage captured by Griffith shows passengers making their way down the inflatable chutes, with ground staff assisting in the process.
An EasyJet spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that the evacuation of flight EZY8216 took place during the boarding process, prior to departure. The representative stated, “Fire services attended the aircraft and cabin crew evacuated the aircraft in line with procedures.” The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger well-being, asserting, “Safety is our highest priority.”
While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, reports suggest that the incident may have been triggered by e-cigarettes and a power bank stored in a passenger’s cabin bag. The explosion left visible evidence of the danger, with passengers who were later allowed to retrieve their belongings noting a fire scorch mark on the aircraft’s floor.
Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported as a result of the fire itself. However, one passenger did sustain a friction burn from the emergency slide during the evacuation process. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of electronic devices on aircraft, particularly those containing lithium-ion batteries.
Current regulations by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency permit passengers to carry e-cigarette devices on planes, though recharging them during flights is strictly prohibited. Similarly, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States allows electronic smoking devices in carry-on baggage, provided that the batteries are removed.
In the aftermath of the incident, EasyJet worked to minimize disruption to travelers’ plans. The airline arranged for a replacement aircraft and crew to transport the affected passengers to their destination later the same day. While waiting for the alternative flight, customers were accommodated in the airport terminal.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with electronic devices on aircraft and underscores the importance of adhering to airline safety regulations. It also highlights the critical role that swift action by flight crews and emergency protocols play in ensuring passenger safety during unexpected incidents.
As investigations into the exact cause of the explosion continue, the incident is likely to reignite discussions about the safety measures surrounding electronic devices and lithium-ion batteries on commercial flights. Airlines and regulatory bodies may face increased pressure to review and potentially strengthen existing policies to prevent similar occurrences in the future.