A laptop ignited a small fire on an American Airlines flight last Friday before the plane could even leave the gate in San Francisco. As the cabin filled with smoke, the crew attempted a calm evacuation of the Airbus A321, but the situation quickly turned chaotic with passengers pushing and shoving to reach the exits. In a bold move, one passenger threw the burning laptop onto the tarmac.
The fire began when a laptop inside a bag stowed beneath a seat unexpectedly caught fire. Oliver Jankai, who was seated nearby, recalled smelling something burning just before the fire erupted. The evacuation, described by Jankai as a stampede, saw passengers disregarding instructions and taking their belongings with them while trying to exit the aircraft, amplifying the panic as people tried to force their way through the crowd.
With smoke filling the back of the cabin, Jankai decided to act. Unable to find a fire extinguisher, his son Jan opened an emergency exit to let fresh air in. Jankai then grabbed the burning bag and threw it out of the Airbus, despite a flight crewmember’s initial objection.
All passengers on the American Airlines flight to Miami were rescheduled for another flight the following day. Thankfully, no one was injured during the chaotic evacuation. This incident underscores the importance of following proper evacuation procedures during an emergency to ensure everyone’s safety.