IndiGo News: Delhi-Chennai Flight Diverted to Hyderabad After Power Bank Fire
IndiGo News
An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai had to be diverted to Hyderabad after smoke was detected inside the aircraft. The flight, 6E 6115, landed safely in Hyderabad. The airline said the diversion was made after smoke was noticed onboard.
According to PTI, the smoke came from a passenger’s personal electronic device that was kept in the overhead bin. NDTV reported that the device was a power bank, which caught fire during the flight. The aircraft was carrying about 180 passengers and seven crew members. The news agency said all of them were onboard when the incident took place.
Some videos of the incident have appeared online. In one video, recorded by a passenger on a mobile phone, other people onboard can be seen trying to put out the fire using bags. The videos show how quickly passengers and crew had to react when the fire broke out in the cabin.
A fire or smoke inside an aircraft is a serious emergency. Since the plane is in the air, there is nowhere for the smoke to go and help cannot reach immediately. Pilots therefore land at the nearest suitable airport. In this case, Hyderabad was chosen, and the flight landed without any problem.
Power banks use lithium batteries. If such a battery is damaged, faulty or overheated, it can catch fire or release smoke. This risk is higher in a closed space like an aircraft cabin. When a power bank is kept in an overhead bin, a fire may not be noticed quickly.
- Keep power banks in your hand baggage, not in checked bags.
- Where possible, keep them with you instead of in the overhead bin, so you can notice any heat or smoke early.
- Do not use a power bank that is swollen, damaged or very hot.
- If you see smoke or a device getting hot, tell the crew immediately.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
