The 236 passengers on board the easyJet flight, which was due to leave Greece for London’s Gatwick Airport, were evacuated after the cabin filled with smoke just before take-off.
Authorities said the fire, which they thought might be a “bomb” at first, was caused by a power bank and an electronic cigarette found in a passenger’s hand luggage.
In a statement to the Independent, the company said: “EasyJet can confirm that flight EZY8216 from Heraklion to London Gatwick on 17 September was evacuated during boarding prior to take-off due to a fire in a passenger’s carry-on luggage. Firefighters responded to the aircraft and the cabin crew exited the aircraft in accordance with procedures. passengers While they were taken to the airport, a new plane and crew were arranged to fly the passengers home later that same day. “Safety is our top priority.” he said.
In July, an American Airlines plane was evacuated after a passenger’s laptop started a fire at San Francisco International Airport, USA, and 3 passengers were injured.
