Vape Ignites Panic on Plane: Smoky Cabin Fever!

Vape Ignites Panic on Plane: Smoky Cabin Fever!

3 minute read
Published: 9/20/2024

Passengers aboard an easyJet flight turned into Olympic athletes when they evacuated down emergency slides after a vape explosion sparked panic in the cabin, proving yet again that carry-ons can be more explosive than expected.

In a scene reminiscent of a scene in a disaster movie, all 236 passengers had to evacuate an easyJet flight on September 17 due to a vaping mishap involving a power bank and e-cigarettes, transforming an ordinary boarding into a swift escape drill. While no serious injuries were reported aside from one unfortunate soul who experienced friction burns from the slide, this incident serves as a striking reminder that the only thing more volatile than airplane peanuts can be the contents of your carry-on.

As the drama unfolded, smoke began to fill the cabin just moments before the flight was scheduled to take off. Passengers were treated to an impromptu fire drill that was neither planned nor polite. Reports reveal that a passenger saw smoke coming from a carry-on bag just before the situation escalated, requiring all 236 passengers to evacuate due to a vape explosion caused by a power bank and e-cigarettes.

Videos captured from within the cabin show passengers scrambling down the emergency slides with an urgency that would put any Black Friday shopper to shame. It seems that while some bring books or snacks for the flight, others faced a panic-inducing situation after a vape explosion in a carry-on bag caused smoke to fill the cabin. Amid shouts and smoke, each passenger rushed to evacuate, defying the laws of gravity as they slid down the emergency exits.

The culprit of this airborne angst was later pinpointed to a power bank and e-cigarettes, a combination that clearly had no respect for established cabin protocols. EasyJet confirmed that fire services attended promptly, seemingly prepared for another riveting evening spent dealing with vaping enthusiasts who underestimate the consequences of their 'harmless' gadgets. This swift response might have minimized any potential harm, and aided by the timely evacuation that took mere minutes, passengers left the aircraft without serious injury.

It’s important to note that this isn’t the first time an airline has become an accidental stage for fiery drama. Earlier, there was an incident where a passenger's laptop ignited on an American Airlines flight, proving that while technology attempts to facilitate our lives, it can also flip the script, making flights a bit too exciting. One can only wonder about the safety guidelines surrounding in-flight devices; perhaps a stern warning to leave all energy-dense items at home would do the trick.

While the overall chaos seemed to echo across the terminal, it also managed to bring a light-hearted realization that not all emergencies end in catastrophe. At least no serious injuries were reported—unless you count the minor abrasions caused by emergency slides, which quite literally have a way of jolting passengers back to reality. While one might ruefully admit to having friction burns after such a hasty exit, it seems a small price to pay for an adventure that outshined the mundane.

Of course, questions linger about the wisdom of bringing vaping devices on board. With incidents of vape explosions cited as a concern due to potential interactions between their components and propellants, it might be time to reconsider caboodle customs. Perhaps a simple rule change is in order: a 'no vape zone' during takeoff. After all, nobody ever said ‘hit the e-cig’ as the flight attendant warmly wishes you a pleasant journey.

As the dust—err, smoke—settles on the runway, this incident serves to remind us that flying is inherently adventurous, especially when personal items tend to surprise us with unexpected pyrotechnics. Maybe passengers should add a new item to their packing list: a fire extinguisher and a good sense of humor. Reflecting on this experience, we can only hope the next innovation in aviation involves less smoke and more tranquil flights—preferably without the need for haste-filled evacuations.