A Spirit Airlines flight bound for Orlando was forced to make an emergency landing in Jacksonville, Florida, following a battery fire that reportedly injured several passengers and crew members onboard.
The incident occurred on a flight departing from Dallas, Texas, which landed at Jacksonville International Airport around 4 p.m. local time, as reported by NBC affiliate WTLV in Jacksonville.
Passenger Kerri Arakawa described the sudden emergence of smoke, prompting alarm among passengers. The fire was reportedly extinguished within 20 minutes, with efforts from a retired firefighter among the passengers and the flight crew.
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department responded to the emergency, confirming that the fire was already out upon landing. According to Eric Prosswimmer, the public information officer at JFRD, the fire originated from a battery in an overhead bin.
Rocco Chierichella, a retired New York City firefighter and passenger on the flight, stated that the battery fire was attributed to a vape charging in the overhead bin. However, the specific details regarding the battery’s connection to a vape could not be confirmed.
Ten individuals, including crew members, were admitted to the hospital with injuries deemed non-life-threatening. Initially, one person was hospitalized, but additional passengers required medical attention due to smoke inhalation, according to WTLV.
Spirit Airlines released a statement to WTLV, acknowledging the incident and attributing the fire to a “guest item” in an overhead bin. The airline commended the swift actions of both passengers and crew members in ensuring the safety of everyone onboard.
The aircraft was able to reach the terminal safely, and Spirit Airlines expressed gratitude to both passengers and first responders for their prompt response to the emergency situation.
