Passenger suffers burn after power bank overheats on flight from China

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A passenger suffered a burn to her hand after a power bank overheated and started smoking on an HK Express flight from China to South Korea.

Emergency services met Flight UO676 from Hong Kong to Jeju airport on Sunday after a portable battery started smoking before landing.

According to the Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters, a 60-year-old female suffered hand burns on her left thumb from an “exploding portable battery” while taking the device out of a bag stored under her seat.

Following a wound dressing and first aid, the burned passenger was handed over to airport paramedics, said Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters.

It added that the accident occurred inside the aircraft at the Yongdam-dong airport between 6.20 and 7.19am during the around two and a half hour long flight.

Cabin crew initiated emergency safety protocols, placing the device in a heat-resistant fire containment bag and submerging it in water, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP).

Eight firefighters and two emergency vehicles were mobilised to the incident, with a fire investigation team taking “safety measures for auxiliary batteries” after entering the cabin.

The plane was carrying 236 passengers and seven crew members, with no other reported injuries.

HK Express, a subsidiary of Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways, told SCMP: “The safety of our passengers and crew remains our utmost priority.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank our passengers for their patience and understanding.”

Generally, HK Express requires all spare lithium batteries and power banks to be carried in cabin baggage with a maximum of two power banks per person.

The airline said: “In accordance with the latest ICAO and HKCAD regulations, each passenger is permitted to carry up to two (2) power banks onboard.

“All power banks and spare lithium batteries must be kept with you or packed inside your carry-on Small Personal Item, and must never be placed in checked baggage.

“For onboard safety, power banks must not be used for charging, recharged, or stored in overhead compartments during the flight.”

The Independent has contacted HK Express for comment.

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