Southwest passengers evacuated as phone fire sparks chaos
Over 100 passengers had to be evacuated from a Southwest Airlines flight at Denver Airport when a phone suddenly caught fire just moments before takeoff.
The plane, flight number 3316 to Houston, was still at Denver International Airport when the incident occurred.
Chaos just before takeoff
Just before takeoff, it was noticed that a passenger's cell phone had caught fire. The fire quickly spread to the seat as well.
Passengers were immediately evacuated. Those sitting in the rear rows of the plane used the rear emergency slides, while those in the front exited through the front doors. The chaos on the plane is evident in recordings posted on social media, such as on the X platform.
Frightened passengers screamed and pushed each other. The sound of crying children could also be heard in the background. According to foreign media reports, two passengers sustained minor injuries.
Some also attempted to open the overhead bins to retrieve their bags and suitcases, despite the crew's reminders about the necessity of leaving carry-on baggage in case of evacuation. Remember, all passengers must leave their belongings behind in emergencies, as instructed in the safety briefing before every flight.
The situation was quickly brought under control
Fortunately, the small fire was quickly extinguished. Southwest Airlines provided the travelers with another aircraft, which safely flew them to Houston.
