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Tech Jag: Chaos Erupts as passengers quickly scramble and evacuate after a laptop battery catches fire during the boarding of an American Airlines flight

Writer's picture: 17GEN417GEN4

Chaos erupted at San Francisco International Airport as passengers quickly scrambled and evacuated after a laptop battery caught fire during the boarding of an American Airlines flight. The incident occurred on Friday, July 12, 2024, as passengers were boarding Flight 2045 from San Francisco to Miami.


Cause of the Fire

The fire was caused by a laptop battery in a passenger’s checked bag, which began smoking and eventually caught fire. The smoke was quickly removed by crew members, and the plane was evacuated using both emergency slides and the jetbridge.


Evacuation and Injuries

Three minor injuries were reported during the evacuation, with one passenger requiring medical transport. The San Francisco Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the source of the smoke. Passengers were safely evacuated back to the terminal, and the plane was taken out of service.


Passenger Account

One passenger, Carlos Leyva, described the scene: “We were already on the plane. We were already sitting down and they were finishing up boarding the plane. Someone yelled and screamed that there was a fire in the back of the plane. He described the smell of wires burning.”


Response

American Airlines and the San Francisco Fire Department responded promptly to the incident, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew members. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper battery care and the need for quick action in emergency situations. 17GEN4.com




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