US EditionVirgin to Rethink Lithium Power Packs in Cabins After Mid-Air Fire
HOBART, AUSTRALIA, JUL 21 – Crew extinguished a lithium battery fire in an overhead locker during descent, with one passenger treated for smoke inhalation and no further injuries reported, authorities said.
- On Monday, Virgin Australia flight VA1528 began its descent into Hobart around 9am when a fire broke out in an overhead locker midair, reports say.
- Last year, the US Federal Aviation Administration recorded three lithium battery overheating incidents every two weeks globally, and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority reported a 92 per cent increase in 2022, while airlines recently tightened carriage rules.
- Passengers smelled smoke and cabin crew discovered a lithium battery on fire in an overhead locker, and they extinguished the blaze mid-flight using water and a fire extinguisher.
- The plane landed safely at Hobart Airport, Virgin Australia said, one passenger received medical attention for suspected smoke inhalation, and a different aircraft was sourced for the return flight to Sydney.
- Amid growing battery fire concerns, Virgin Australia forbids baggage with non-removable lithium batteries, South Korea bans power banks after a January blaze, and Singapore Airlines will bar power bank use from 1st April 2025.
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Fire onboard as Virgin flight descends into Hobart
A passenger on a Sydney to Hobart Virgin flight has been treated for suspected smoke inhalation after a fire broke out in an overhead locker, with an airport worker saying witnesses described a "small ball of fire" onboard the aircraft.
·Australia
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Total News Sources20
Leaning Left7Leaning Right3Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution64% Left
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources lean Left
64% Left
L 64%
R 27%
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