Incident Overview
A recent incident aboard a China Eastern Airlines flight saw a power bank catch fire in the overhead compartment, alarming passengers onboard. This event was documented by a fellow traveler and quickly gained traction on social media, highlighting the potential dangers associated with carrying lithium batteries on flights.
Details of the Flight
The incident took place on July 24, 2026, on flight MU2421, which was traveling from Lanzhou to Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport. While the aircraft was taxiing toward the terminal after the domestic flight, flames erupted from a passenger's cabin bag, triggering chaos among those onboard.
Passengers' Reactions
As smoke and fire emerged from the overhead bin, many passengers expressed their panic. One traveler recounted the moment, stating, "I thought the outside of the plane was on fire. But when I looked up, I saw flames coming from the luggage rack above." However, the cabin crew acted swiftly to extinguish the fire and maintain order, urging passengers to stay calm.
Safety Measures and Regulations
Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the fire, and the aircraft, an Airbus A320, sustained only minor damage from the smoke. Firefighting personnel were also deployed as a precautionary measure. As per China Eastern Airlines' guidelines, power banks must be carried in carry-on luggage, while storing them in the overhead compartments is prohibited. Furthermore, using power banks to charge devices during the flight is not allowed.
This incident is not an isolated case; a similar event occurred in March 2025 when a power bank fire on a Hong Kong Airlines flight forced an emergency landing.
Source: https://tekno.kompas.com/read/2026/08/01/17070097/powerbank-terbakar-di-kompartemen-bagasi-kabin-pesawat-penumpang-panik
