United Airlines diverted the 12 September flight of a Boeing 737-800 en route to Cebu after pilots received a cockpit warning of a potential fire in the cargo hold.
Two passengers were hospitalised with “minor injuries” incurred during the deplaning process, United confirmed on 12 September.
“Upon initial inspection by maintenance, there is no indication a fire occurred,” the airline says.
Carrying 135 passengers and seven crew, flight 32 from Tokyo was diverted to Osaka as a result of the fire. The aircraft landed safely, with passengers exiting the aircraft via slides.
The aircraft was greeted by local firefighters and emergency responders. Reports indicate that runway 06R/24L at Kansai International airport was briefly closed following the 737’s emergency landing.
Earlier this week, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a Safety Alert for Operators related to fire risks posed by lithium batteries stored in passenger compartments, citing the potential hazards of personal electronic devices and spare batteries.
”Lithium batteries (including power banks and portable chargers) can act as ignition sources and potentially start onboard fires,” the FAA says. “Lithium batteries stored in passenger overhead bins and or in carry-on baggage, may be obscured, difficult to access or not readily monitored by passengers or crewmembers.”
AloJapan.com