A United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 had to return to San Diego International Airport after a battery caught fire in the First Class cabin.
Another mobile phone battery incident occurred shortly after takeoff, sending four people to a nearby hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.
United Airlines flight UA 2664 took off San Diego International Airport and headed to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Initially, it was reported that the incident was caused by a laptop fire, but it was later confirmed that the smoke was coming from an external battery pack.
According to passengers, shortly after takeoff, acrid smoke appeared in the First Class cabin of the Boeing 737 MAX 8, which became more and more. A man sitting in the second row threw a smoking object on the floor, and the flight attendants, noticing this, rushed forward with fire extinguishers to put out the flames.
The fire was dealt with quickly, the faulty accessory was placed in a fireproof bag, and passengers were instructed to open the vents for ventilation. The pilot-in-command issued Alert 2 – a severe problem with the aircraft – and requested permission to return to San Diego International Airport.
When the Boeing landed safely, emergency crews were already in place and assisted the passengers.
At least five ambulances and three fire trucks were seen around the United Airlines plane.
The San Diego Fire Department confirmed that it responded immediately to the emergency. She identified the source of the fire as an external charger that contained a lithium-ion battery and was connected to a mobile phone. Emergency services evacuated all passengers and crew and examined them for injuries.
As a result, four flight attendants were taken to a nearby medical center, where they are being treated for smoke inhalation. Two more passengers refused further medical treatment and transportation.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.