SANYA: An in-flight fire broke out aboard a T’way Air passenger aircraft traveling from China to South Korea after a portable power bank caught fire, resulting in eight people being taken to hospital.
The incident occurred on flight TW634, which departed from Sanya, Hainan Province, China, bound for Cheongju, South Korea. The aircraft took off at approximately 2:10 a.m., carrying 32 passengers and 6 crew members.
According to airline officials, smoke was suddenly noticed coming from a carry-on bag belonging to a passenger seated in the front section of the cabin. The source of the smoke was identified as a portable power bank that had ignited mid-flight.
Cabin crew responded immediately by removing the power bank from the bag and placing it in water in accordance with emergency safety procedures, successfully extinguishing the fire. The aircraft landed safely at Cheongju International Airport at 6:37 a.m., around 40 minutes earlier than scheduled.
After landing, five passengers and three flight attendants were transferred to a nearby hospital due to smoke inhalation. All affected individuals were later discharged following medical examinations.
South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has announced a full investigation into the incident. Authorities will review the capacity of the power bank involved and assess compliance with carry-on baggage regulations.
It is noteworthy that under international aviation regulations effective from March 1, 2025, power banks are not permitted in overhead compartments and are subject to strict safety rules during air travel.
