A Southwest Airlines flight destined for Houston's William P. Hobby Airport was abruptly evacuated while still at the gate in Denver International Airport, following an incident where a cellphone battery ignited and caused a minor fire this morning. KHOU reports that all 108 passengers aboard Flight 3316 evacuated safely, using emergency slides from the back and the front door for those in the forward section of the aircraft.
The incident highlights the potential risks associated with everyday technology when a cellphone caused a hazardous situation that led to an emergency evacuation and two injuries. The device's owner was treated for burns, and another passenger sustained minor injuries during the evacuation process. According to ABC7NY, the flight crew quickly extinguished the fire caused by the cellphone’s battery.
Following the incident, Southwest Airlines arranged to reroute affected passengers to Houston. "Southwest said their Care Team is working to accommodate the passengers on another aircraft to their original destination of Houston," as per the information provided by KHOU.
The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating the circumstances that led to the fiery emergency, with an official statement indicating that "the FAA will investigate." The investigation is expected to focus on the procedural steps that typically follow such incidents, with the goal of preventing future occurrences and improving safety measures for air travelers, according to KHOU.
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