The battery of an electronic cigarette that recently exploded in an Airbus A320 is a reminder of some of the dangers of lithium batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries, which are now found almost everywhere in our electronic objects, are well known as having the potential to explode or even cause fires. It is for this reason that it is necessary to respect the usual precautions which are transmitted when taking a flight. And if some people still don’t understand why, a story that happened recently should enlighten them.
An electronic cigarette explodes in a passenger’s pocket
Almost a year ago to the day, an Air France Airbus A320 completed its flight between Malaga and Paris, and was beginning its arrival at Charles de Gaulle airport when a potentially dramatic incident panicked the passengers and the airline. crew.
Indeed, the electronic cigarette of one of the people present suddenly exploded in his pocket, some 2,000 feet from the ground. A member of the crew managed to quickly extinguish the fire using a fire extinguisher, but the passenger was seriously injured.
You must follow the instructions
The Bureau of Investigation and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) was unable to access the remains of the cigarette, which were sent to the airport operator. Its owner had noted that the battery malfunctioned regularly, and that he often had to remove it and put it back in to get it working again.
The BEA also recalls a list of obligations to follow to reduce risks:
- batteries can only be transported in the cabin;
- they must comply with certain requirements;
- devices and/or batteries must not be recharged on board;
- Steps should be taken to prevent accidental energization of the heating element.
He also recalls that “ passengers are most of the time unaware of the issues linked to a defective battery and/or transported in conditions that do not comply with the requirements “. Which can lead to this kind of inconvenience.
Source : France 3
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