Cellphone Battery Fire Forces Evacuation on Southwest Airlines Flight in Denver
Denver, CO – A Southwest Airlines flight was evacuated safely on Friday morning after a cellphone battery ignited onboard, causing a seat fire while the aircraft was still at the gate at Denver International Airport. Flight 3316 was preparing for departure to William P. Hobby Airport in Houston when the incident occurred just before 7 a.m.
The crew swiftly extinguished the flames, but a passenger suffered burns and required medical attention. A total of 108 passengers were onboard during the incident. The evacuation proceeded as per protocol, with those seated at the rear using emergency slides while front passengers exited through the main door. One individual sustained minor injuries during this process.
Southwest Airlines has expressed its commitment to safety, stating, "Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of its Customers and Employees." In response to the incident, the airline’s Customer Care Team is working to rebook affected passengers on another flight to Houston.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) addressed the incident, emphasizing the importance of battery transportation safety and providing resources for passengers. They recommend keeping devices close for quick access and advise immediate reporting of any overheating or smoke-producing devices to flight crews.
This alarming event follows a trend noted by a CBS News investigation, which uncovered that incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires on flights have increased by over 42% in the past five years. The FAA is dedicated to training flight crews to recognize and address lithium battery fires effectively.
As investigations continue, the airline and authorities urge vigilance regarding lithium battery safety during air travel.
For more updates, follow CBS News.
Source
Photo credit www.cbsnews.com
