Picture the scene. An Air China passenger aircraft has taken off from Hangzhou in China, heading for Seoul in South Korea. The passengers are relaxing after releasing their seat belts, and wondering what is for lunch. Suddenly, without warning, luggage in an overhead locker erupts into flames. The carry-on battery fire shocks passengers into silence. What will happen next?
Eye-Witness Videos of Carry-On Battery Fire
The Chosun Daily news media carried the breaking news story on October 20, 2025. Eye-witness reports and videos appeared on social media sites, shortly after the aircraft diverted safely to Shanghai.
We were delighted to read that there were no casualties. Air China sent a replacement aircraft. By late afternoon all passengers were safely in Seoul, South Korea, and continuing with their plans.
Meanwhile, naturally, the carry-on battery fire continued to shock passengers on board the aircraft. The fire in the overhead bin quickly spread to adjacent luggage, as cabin crew rushed to respond.
One ‘netizen citizen’ reported, “Flames immediately erupted with a ‘bang’ sound. Even after the emergency landing at Pudong Airport, my startled heart did not calm down for a long time.”
What We Know About the Cause of the Battery Fire
The Chosun Daily news media appears convinced the incident involved a lithium-ion battery. However, they qualify this statement, by adding that they do not know whether the battery was in a power bank, or not.
China has experienced several incidents resulting from defective power banks in passenger luggage recently. The Asian nation recently insisted that passenger batteries on aircraft bear the 3C certification mark. We have no way of knowing whether the battery owner complied with this ruling.
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Aircraft Battery Fires Smouldering On
