Smoke Fills American Airlines Flight in San Francisco
A potentially catastrophic incident occurred at San Francisco International Airport when smoke from a laptop in a passenger's bag filled an American Airlines plane boarding for a flight to Miami. The plane was promptly evacuated at the gate, and several minor injuries were reported.
The chaos unfolded as passengers were boarding American Airlines flight 2045. A fire broke out in the cabin, prompting immediate evacuation orders. Passengers were told to leave their belongings and evacuate the aircraft using emergency slides and the jet bridge.
According to a passenger named Carlos Laza, the first sign of trouble was a shout from the back of the plane alerting everyone to a fire. He reported seeing smoke but no flames, and smelled something electrical burning. Panic ensued, with people pushing toward the front of the plane in an attempt to escape.
Airport officials confirmed that three passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation. American Airlines issued a statement explaining that the smoke originated from a laptop in a passenger's bag, which was swiftly removed by crew members. The quick response facilitated the safe exit of all customers from the aircraft.
Videos from inside the plane captured the tense moments of the evacuation, with passengers sliding down emergency chutes and rushing away from the aircraft. First responders were seen investigating the source of the smoke on the tarmac, focusing on the problematic laptop.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by electronic devices on flights. Lithium-ion battery fires, while rare, have caused significant concern in the aviation industry. Fortunately, in this case, the situation was managed on the ground, preventing a potentially more dangerous scenario had the plane been airborne.
