Plane Passenger Treated for Burn Injuries After Laptop Catches Fire During American Airlines Flight
Plane Passenger Treated for Burn Injuries After Laptop Catches Fire During American Airlines Flight
Escher WalcottSat, August 22, 2026 at 2:09 PM UTC
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American Airlines plane (stock image)Credit: Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty -
A laptop fire on American Airlines Flight 2398 reportedly injured several passengers during landing at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
The airline confirmed that one passenger was treated for burns following the incident
Emergency personnel met the plane at the gate, quickly containing the device that caused the fire
An American Airlines passenger was treated for burn injuries after a laptop caught fire during landing.
While traveling from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Friday, Aug. 21, American Airlines Flight 2398 reported “smoke from a customer’s device” during landing at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), American Airlines confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE.
“American Airlines Flight 2398 landed safely at DFW after reports of smoke from a customer’s device during landing,” the airline said. “We thank our crew for their professionalism and swift response to quickly contain the device.”
Passenger’s laptop on a plane (stock image)Credit: Getty
One passenger received medical attention on site and was later released, according to the airline.
“After landing, the aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power. Per procedure, emergency personnel met the aircraft upon arrival to the gate,” American Airlines added to PEOPLE.
According to air traffic control audio obtained by CBS Texas, the pilot reported that a laptop had caught fire on the plane, injuring four to five passengers. Around 133 people were on the aircraft at the time.
“I think we have about four to five passengers that were burned by the laptop,” the pilot can be heard saying, per CBS Texas. “The laptop is contained about mid-aircraft. “Once we taxi clear, I guess the best plan to follow is to the gate or any way you guys can board?”
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The pilot said that the injured passengers’ hands were burned in the incident.
A representative from DFW confirmed to PEOPLE that the passenger was released following treatment.
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in TexasCredit: Shutterstock
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Lithium batteries are found in laptop and cell phone batteries, cell phone battery charging cases and portable chargers.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recorded 58 lithium battery incidents causing smoke or fire on passenger planes this year as of August 2026.
“All lithium-ion batteries are capable of overheating and undergoing a process called thermal runaway,” the FAA states on its website. “Thermal runaway can occur without warning as a result of various factors, including if the battery is damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged, or improperly packed. Thermal runaway can also occur on its own due to manufacturing defects.”
The FAA did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
on People
Source: “AOL Breaking”
