Fire Erupts in Cabin Just 20 Minutes After Takeoff

Source: OT-Team(G)，央视新闻; 九派新闻

  A fire broke out in the cabin just 20 minutes after takeoff, forcing an emergency landing.

On March 20, Hong Kong Airlines flight HX115, en route from Hangzhou to Hong Kong, was forced to divert to Fuzhou after a fire broke out in an overhead luggage compartment. The aircraft has since landed safely, and the fire has been successfully extinguished.

A Hong Kong Airlines representative confirmed that flight HX115 made an emergency landing in Fuzhou but stated that the specific cause of the diversion would require further investigation. Passengers seeking more details were advised to contact Fuzhou Changle International Airport. Meanwhile, an airport staff member in Fuzhou indicated that the reason for the diversion was recorded as originating from the airline but did not specify the cause of the fire.

Flight HX115 departed from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport and was scheduled to arrive in Hong Kong at 2:56 PM on March 20. However, just 20 minutes after takeoff, flames erupted from an overhead bin near the front of the cabin. A passenger, Ms. Ye (pseudonym), tolds reporters that cabin crew immediately grabbed fire extinguishers to put out the flames and instructed passengers to crouch or take cover in the aisle.

As the fire persisted, passengers seated toward the back of the plane began passing their bottled water forward to douse the flames. Working together, the flight crew and passengers managed to fully extinguish the fire. "The plane has landed safely in Fuzhou, and I am now on a shuttle bus heading to the hotel for rest," Ms. Ye said.

Other passengers shared their experiences on social media, describing how thick black smoke quickly filled the cabin, accompanied by a strong smell of burning plastic. Since the fire broke out in the front of the aircraft and most fire extinguishers were stored at the rear, crew members had to transport firefighting equipment forward, causing some delay. Despite the tense situation, passengers remained cooperative, using a collective water-passing effort to help the crew bring the fire under control.