A Hyderabad-Chandigarh IndiGo flight (6E-605) was evacuated at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad on Friday evening after an electronic device in the cargo hold emitted smoke and subsequently caught fire.
The incident occurred around 7:15 PM, shortly before the scheduled departure. Airport officials and fire crews responded immediately, successfully extinguishing the fire. All 167 passengers and crew members were safely deboarded. No injuries were reported.
Initial investigations suggest a power bank was the source of the fire. The device was located in the checked baggage. The airline and airport authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause and to prevent similar incidents.
The flight was cancelled following the incident. Passengers were provided with refreshments and arrangements were made for their accommodation and alternative flight options. IndiGo has stated they are cooperating with relevant authorities in the investigation.
Airport officials confirmed that standard safety protocols were followed during the evacuation process. The incident caused a temporary disruption to flight operations at the airport, but services have since returned to normal.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed and is monitoring the situation. This incident highlights the risks associated with carrying electronic devices, particularly power banks, in checked baggage and reinforces existing regulations regarding their transport on flights. Passengers are generally advised to carry such devices in their cabin baggage with appropriate precautions.
