Southwest Airlines Flight 3316 had to be evacuated on Friday, 15 November 2024, after a passenger’s cell phone battery caught fire while the plane was parked at Denver International Airport, preparing for its scheduled departure to Houston. The incident caused a seat on the plane to catch fire, prompting an immediate response from the flight crew and airport personnel.
The Boeing 737-700, which had already boarded 108 passengers, was stationary at the gate when the fire broke out. According to the airline, the phone’s battery ignited while the passenger was aboard the aircraft, and the flames quickly spread to one of the seats in the rear section of the plane. The fire caused panic among passengers, and emergency procedures were quickly initiated to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
Passengers sitting toward the back of the plane were instructed to evacuate using the emergency exit slides, while those seated near the front were able to exit via the jet bridge. Flight attendants and airport personnel worked swiftly to guide passengers to safety. The incident caused a brief period of chaos, but fortunately, the evacuation was carried out successfully.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the evacuation took place without major incident. However, it was reported that one passenger suffered a minor injury during the evacuation process. The airline stated that the individual received medical attention for their injury but did not provide further details on the extent of the harm. The passenger whose phone caught fire was also treated for burns related to the incident. Both individuals were reportedly being cared for by medical teams at the airport, and no other passengers were injured.
Southwest Airlines, in a statement to The Independent, expressed relief that the situation was quickly handled, emphasizing the swift response by the crew and the use of safety protocols to ensure the well-being of all involved. “The safety and security of our customers and crew is our top priority, and we are thankful for the professionalism of our team during this emergency situation,” the airline said.
The cause of the fire was linked to a malfunctioning battery in a mobile phone. While the specific brand of the phone was not disclosed, incidents of phone batteries catching fire are not new and have raised concerns over the safety of lithium-ion batteries used in many electronic devices. These types of batteries are known for their ability to overheat and catch fire if damaged or if they experience a malfunction, especially during charging. The airline also noted that the incident was an isolated event, and the aircraft’s systems had not been affected by the fire beyond the immediate area of the seat that caught fire.
Emergency evacuations due to in-flight or on-the-ground incidents are relatively rare, but they have occurred before in similar circumstances, such as with overheating electronic devices. In this case, the evacuation took place while the plane was still at the gate, meaning passengers were able to exit the aircraft relatively quickly and without the complications that may arise during an airborne emergency.
Authorities have begun investigating the incident, and Southwest Airlines has pledged to cooperate fully with the FAA to determine the exact cause of the phone’s battery failure. The airline also assured the public that it would review and reinforce safety protocols to prevent such incidents from occurring again. Meanwhile, passengers who were affected by the evacuation were provided with alternative travel arrangements, and the airline extended its apologies to those inconvenienced by the emergency situation.
This incident highlights the growing concern over the safety of personal electronic devices on airplanes, particularly mobile phones and their batteries. Airlines and regulators continue to monitor the safety of devices and explore ways to ensure that they do not pose a threat to air travel safety. Passengers are advised to be cautious when using or charging their phones during flights and to be aware of any unusual heating or malfunctioning of their devices.
While the evacuation was undoubtedly a stressful experience for passengers, it ended without major injuries or fatalities, and the quick actions of the flight crew and airport personnel were praised. The situation also served as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergencies, especially in an environment like an airplane where swift evacuation can be critical.
