logo
Smoke from burning power bank fills up plane minutes before landing in Bangkok

Smoke from burning power bank fills up plane minutes before landing in Bangkok

Independent02-03-2025

A Baltic Air flight began to be filled with smoke from a burning power bank minutes before it landed in Bangkok, with videos posted to social media showing panic among passengers.
One nearly four-minute clip, posted on TikTok, shows smoke spreading from the overhead luggage compartment, filling the cabin space.
Flight attendants can be seen in the video checking overhead baggage compartments to look for the source of the smoke.
Passengers seated close to what seems like the affected part of the cabin can be seen leaving their seats before the attendants opened the compartment to put out the fire using an extinguisher.
Some time later, the crew can be seen opening the compartment completely as white smoke pours out.
A passenger seated opposite the affected compartment retrieved a black bag and was escorted to the rear of the plane by an attendant carrying the extinguisher.
In a follow-up video, TikTok user kentmaherr said the smoke initially looked like 'steam' but was soon accompanied by a strong 'chemical-like smell' as the smoke thickened.
'Thankfully, no one on the flight panicked, everyone was calm,' kentmaherr said, according to The Strait Times.
He said he and a few others followed the passenger as he carried his black bag to the back of the plane to see him take a power bank out of the bag, which was finally fully extinguished using three mineral water bottles.
Luckily the aircraft, which took off from Johor Bahru, was only 30 minutes away from its destination – Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok – when the smoke started spreading.
'All passengers were shocked by the thick smoke coming out of the luggage compartment, with the smell of fire stinging their noses,' the TikTok user wrote in the video's caption.
'This is the first time I experienced such an incident. I thank Allah for the chance to still be alive!' he said.
Several airline operators in Asia have begun enacting changes to their luggage carry policy after an incident involving a fire in the rear of an Air Busan Airbus A321 before takeoff.
While no one was killed in that incident, the plane was badly damaged.
Korean Air, Asiana, China Airlines, as well as Eva Air, headquartered in Taiwan, have joined the airline in banning power banks, vapes and lithium-ion batteries from overhead compartments. Starting from Saturday 1 March, such items must be kept on a passenger's person at all times.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Unassuming hobby loved by pensioners now a trend for Gen Z after TikTok boom
Unassuming hobby loved by pensioners now a trend for Gen Z after TikTok boom

Daily Mirror

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mirror

Unassuming hobby loved by pensioners now a trend for Gen Z after TikTok boom

Birdwatching has become a massive trend on social media among younger Brits - meanwhile an increasing number of us are jetting off for wildlife holidays instead of boozy getaways If you thought birdwatching was a sport for retirees, you're mistaken – the newest enthusiasts of the trend are Gen Z. What's more, they're willing to travel to do it. While birdwatching might have a bad rep for being boring, Gen Z are proving that it is anything but. You might be surprised to find that #birdwatching on TikTok has over 374K posts on the app – mainly featuring young TikTokkers exploring the outdoors, showing off their best cottagecore outfits, as well as sharing their most impressive bird sightings. But instead of being seen as nerdy, it has viewers inspired. ‌ In fact, the growing popularity of the activity has even melded into Gen Z's growing interest in 'wildlife holidays'. Based on data gathered by the Travel Republic, searches for 'wildlife holiday' have increased by 336% over the past year. By comparison, searches for 'party holiday' decreased by 34%. ‌ Travel Republic revealed: 'We are seeing more and more young people looking to take part in activities traditionally associated with older generations, especially when it comes to activities centred around wildlife." They added: 'One major reason for this is that many Gen Zers are looking to spend their summer holidays in areas that are peaceful and centred around nature. Wildlife holidays are a great way to do this while also making unforgettable memories.' Some of the most popular destinations they've found Gen Z travelling to on wildlife holidays include Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the US and Australia. However, not everyone is travelling to far-off countries to explore this hobby. It's also taking off as a trend in the UK. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you! ‌ A British outdoor influencer, @emmy_explores, went viral after revealing her new favourite hobby: birdwatching. 'No words, just my RSPB guide and binoculars!!!' she said in her caption. The video garnered over 270K views and millions of comments. Commenters were quick to share their own growing love for birdwatching. 'I've started at 23 and by far the best part is all the older birders who are so excited to see a young person birdwatching,' one user said. Others added that they had started birdwatching as a teenager. 'It's the best relaxing hobby anyone can join. Sitting down in nature watching nature!' one commenter explained the appeal. Many other comments also added their appreciation for 'dad hobbies'. ‌ In Emmy's videos, she explores some of the UK's most famous beauty spots, like the Lake District. Sam Bentley is another popular UK-based ecologist who regularly posts videos of him performing 'bird surveys' which rack up thousands of views. In the UK especially, this is becoming more important than ever. According to government data , bird species across the UK have declined by 2% between 2018 and 2023. However, when you look at just England, this figure rises to 7%. One of the biggest causes of this are modern farmland practices according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Bird's (RSPB) State of Nature report 2023. This is largely due to the use of fertilisers and pesticides, which impact bird's food supply. As bird numbers fall hopefully Gen Z's reviving interest in these tiny dinosaurs will also lead to heightened awareness over their safety.

Five-word warning for Brits visiting tiny island flooded with over 6m tourists
Five-word warning for Brits visiting tiny island flooded with over 6m tourists

Daily Mirror

time3 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Five-word warning for Brits visiting tiny island flooded with over 6m tourists

Despite witnessing a record-breaking number of international tourists last year, one picture postcard island has witnessed a surge in incidents relating to methanol poisoning A tiny island famed for its pristine beaches and lively nightlife has seen its tourism boom in recent years - despite stark travel warnings. Whether you're after a chilled beach club, silent yoga retreat, or TikTok-inspired spiritual awakening, Bali's mass appeal is undeniable. It has some pretty stunning temples, sugar-like beaches, lush rice paddies, and an unbeatable cuisine. Last year, the hotspot, located in Indonesia, welcomed a staggering 6.3 million international tourists, surpassing its pre-pandemic peak. ‌ Unsurprisingly, Australia accounted for the majority of tourists, due to its close proximity. But, last month (May 30) the country's government reviewed its advice for Indonesia following a series of recent incidents involving drownings and methanol poisoning. Urging Aussies to 'exercise a high degree of caution' when travelling to the country - the body said: "Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. Cases of methanol poisoning in drinks have previously been reported in Indonesia, including in Bali and Lombok." ‌ The Mirror contacted the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - which advises Brits on which countries are safe to travel to - asking whether it was also updating its warning page for Indonesia to reflect the recent surge. A spokesperson did not explicitly comment on Australia's updated advice, and instead sent over the organisation's guide for Indonesia - which hasn't been updated since April 8, 2025. The FCDO currently advises against all travel to a number of volcanoes in Indonesia, including Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, Mount Sinabung, Mount Marapi, Mount Semeru, and Mount Ruang. However, it does not have a current warning against Bali for either essential or non-essential travel. Still, under its 'Safety and Security' section, the FCDO has issued a blunt five-word warning for travellers: "Watch your drinks being prepared." It adds: "There have been reports of drink spiking linked to sexual assault in Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands. "Do not leave [your drinks] unattended. Do not accept drinks from strangers at clubs or parties. Tourists have been assaulted or robbed after taking visitors to their hotel rooms, and in some cases have found that their drinks were spiked." ‌ The FCDO clearly states that many people, including British nationals, have died or suffered serious illness in Indonesia after drinking spirits that contain methanol due to inadequate distillation. Affected drinks have included: local spirits, including arak/arrack (a local rice or palm liquor) spirit-based mixed drinks, such as cocktails counterfeit brand-name bottled alcohol in shops or behind the bar To protect yourself from methanol poisoning, it is recommended to only buy alcohol from licensed liquor stores or bars, and make sure the bottle seals are intact. It's also worth checking for poor print quality or incorrect spelling on your beverages, as well as avoiding homemade alcoholic drinks. ‌ The FCDO also warns tourists to be 'alert' when out at night and avoid poorly-lit areas due to a high number of reported rapes and sexual assaults. "If you call a taxi, use only registered companies, such as Bluebird, Silverbird or Express, and check the driver's identity," it states. "If you book with a mobile app, check the driver is the same as the person on the app, and share your journey with a friend using the app. Be wary of drivers claiming to be registered with app companies and trying to pick up passengers on the street." Other safety warnings include credit card fraud, bag-snatching, and pickpocketing. "Conceal your bag as much as possible to reduce the risk. Carry only essential items and take care of your passport and bank cards," the FCDO advises.

Tenerife chaos as Brits sit on sunbed stacks for '2 hours' and refuse to move
Tenerife chaos as Brits sit on sunbed stacks for '2 hours' and refuse to move

Daily Mirror

time5 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Tenerife chaos as Brits sit on sunbed stacks for '2 hours' and refuse to move

Sun bed wars are hotting up in Tenerife as onlookers film tourists sitting on pre-stacked sun-beds before hotel staff have even had a chance to unload them Holiday destinations are seeing the increase of "sun-bed wars" erupt across Spain as desperate tourists scramble to secure their sunbathing spots. The latest move, described as "weird" by one TikToker shows an unnamed hotel in Tenerife, where it appears guests are sitting on sunbed stacks which have not yet been dissembled and set out for guests that day. The video, by @hellerdee, looks down from a presumed balcony at tourists sitting and waiting for staff to come and set up the loungers. ‌ The caption read: 'Weirdos waiting 2 hours for sunbeds to be unlocked.' The poster used the hashtag Tenerife in the clip. The issue, while not new, has caused outrage among fellow holidaymakers who have mocked people for getting up at early doors to secure their loungers for a day around the pool. ‌ Commenters were quick to share their outrage over the habit. One said: "Can you imagine cutting your night short on holiday to get up early to reserve a sunbed?" Another added: 'If you're getting up early to get a sunbed you need to get a life." 'Ahhh nothing says relaxing holiday like getting up at the crack of dawn 2 fight 4 a lounger,' a third user joked. Another simply labelled it 'worst nightmare'. Some even shared their own nightmare experiences with securing a sunbed. 'Just got back from Majorca and people were outside at 5.30am reserving sunbeds,' one comment shared. Another added: 'Nothing worse than these type of people. I was in Barbados and 2 people left their towels on a bed until 4pm and then used them for 30 mins getting the last bit of the sun.' ‌ Others expressed how stressful being in such a situation must be. One added: 'Thank god I've never stayed in a hotel where people were waking up at 6am and fighting for sunbeds. Cause I've heard some mad stories. Real life back home is less stressful than that. What's the point of a holiday.' Getting up early wasn't the only issue that triggered viewers. Many commenters also wondered how many of these sunbed hoggers were even using the beds for the full day. 'That's just taking it to the extreme, how many of them put their towels on the bed and then left it there all day,' one commenter asked. The poster replied, '95% of them!!!' ‌ While individual hotels reserve the right to stop people from bagging their sunbeds at the crack of dawn, and set their own rules, one Spanish beach has started imposing fines for such behaviour. Calpe, a seaside town in Costa Blanca will get anyone doing such a thing to cough up a £210 in peak season. The rule extends to beaches along Calpe's coastline where offenders face having their belongings confiscated by police. ‌ Unoccupied sunbeds The same account posted a TikTok a few days prior which showed footage of the hotel from a balcony view. By the pool, there were several sunbeds left with towels draped over them, but no one sitting on them. In their caption, they wrote: 'A follow on from Tenerife Sur sunbed wars… towels and no bodies on beds. (Pile of beds at the back locked and get unlocked 11am… these are the 9am ones with towels and no people on them)' Commenters were equally outraged. 'Ngl I'd give it like 5-10 mins and if no one appeared I'd just move the towel and the bed and use it anyway,' one said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store