CHANDIGARH: More than 200 people were evacuated from an IndiGo flight at Chandigarh airport on Tuesday after a passenger’s power bank caught fire moments after landing, triggering panic and a rapid emergency response.The Airbus A321, operating flight 6E-108 from Hyderabad, had just touched down and was taxiing into the bay when the incident unfolded. According to the DGCA, the device, kept in a seat pocket near seat 39C, ignited, forcing the aircraft to halt immediately as smoke began spreading through the cabin.Cabin crew rushed to contain the fire, deploying two extinguishers as thick smoke filled the aircraft. Within minutes, all six emergency slides were activated and passengers were ordered to evacuate. Authorities said the swift action helped prevent the situation from escalating further.IndiGo confirmed that the fire involved a passenger’s personal electronic device and said evacuation was carried out “in the interest of safety,” with all passengers moved to the terminal and attended to by ground staff.
While the regulator initially reported no injuries, multiple passengers later described chaotic scenes during the evacuation, with at least six people hurt. Among them was Dr Richa Acharya, who suffered a leg fracture and required surgery, while others sustained minor injuries.Passengers recounted tense moments inside the smoke-filled cabin. Some said the power bank continued to smoulder even after initial firefighting efforts, with crew attempting to douse it further. “It kept burning internally and filled the cabin with thick smoke. Had this happened mid-air, it could have been catastrophic,” said one passenger seated nearby.As confusion mounted, flyers said they were first told to remain seated before being abruptly instructed to evacuate, leaving belongings behind. Emergency exits were flung open and slides deployed, with children and elderly passengers among those scrambling to exit.Family members of the injured later alleged gaps in the evacuation process, including inadequate cushioning beneath slides and delays in medical response. Protests reportedly broke out at the airport before ambulances were arranged.The aircraft was carrying around 200 passengers and six crew members. Officials confirmed there was no loss of life or damage to property.The incident has also raised fresh concerns over aviation safety protocols around lithium battery-powered devices. Power banks are permitted only in cabin baggage under strict limits and are barred from checked-in luggage, prompting questions about screening and onboard handling.Separately, passengers alleged lapses in post-incident handling, claiming they were not provided formal complaint forms and were instead asked to write grievances on blank sheets or email later. A handwritten complaint signed by around 15 passengers flagged delays in evacuation, poor communication, and what was described as a “lethargic” response by a crew member using a fire extinguisher.Airport authorities said the fire broke out around 3.38 pm, shortly after the flight arrived at 3.30 pm, prompting deployment of fire tenders and a full-scale emergency response. CISF personnel secured the area as passengers were escorted safely to the terminal.A detailed investigation has been launched, with officials examining how the device ignited and whether safety protocols were adequately followed.Also Read: Power bank catches fire on IndiGo flight in Chandigarh; 6 injured in emergency evacuation
