An easyJet flight from Greece to the UK was dramatically evacuated after a vape device exploded inside a passenger’s carry-on bag. The emergency, which occurred on flight EZY8261 from Heraklion, Crete, led to passengers using emergency slides for evacuation.

Explosion and immediate response

The flight was scheduled to depart for London Gatwick at 1:55 PM on Tuesday, September 17, when “popping noises” and “smoke” were reported inside the cabin. Officials believe a power bank and e-cigarettes inside a passenger’s luggage were responsible for the commotion during boarding.

Witnesses described “a very large red flash and flame” followed by “thick black smoke.” As the bag caught fire in the aisle, panic ensued, with passengers yelling “Screaming bomb.” Despite the chaos, all 236 passengers were quickly evacuated onto the runway.

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Injuries and emergency services

No injuries were reported from the fire itself, although one passenger sustained friction burns while evacuating via the emergency slide. Emergency services promptly attended to the scene, and the flight was postponed, eventually departing for London after 11 PM.

Official statement

An easyJet spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating: “easyJet can confirm that flight EZY8216 from Heraklion to London Gatwick was evacuated during boarding before departure on 17 September, due to a fire in a passenger’s cabin bag. Fire services attended the aircraft and cabin crew evacuated the aircraft in line with procedures. Customers were looked after in the terminal while a replacement aircraft and crew were arranged to fly customers home later the same day. Safety is our highest priority.”

Previous incidents

This is not the first such incident this year. In July, an American Airlines flight was evacuated at San Francisco International Airport following a cabin fire, resulting in minor injuries to three passengers.