An onboard power bank explosion injured five passengers and forced an emergency evacuation on IndiGo flight 6E108 from Hyderabad to Chandigarh (Airbus A321neo registered VT-ICO) after landing.
The incident occurred while the aircraft was taxiing, when a power bank in a passenger’s bag caught fire and exploded, filling the cabin with smoke and causing panic among the 198 passengers. Crew members quickly extinguished the flames and initiated emergency procedures, opening exits and evacuating passengers via slides within minutes.
Five people were injured and received medical attention, though the situation was contained before additional emergency services arrived. The airline confirmed the aircraft will undergo a full technical inspection.
The incident comes amid strict safety rules from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which since January 2026 has prohibited the use of power banks on flights due to fire risks linked to lithium batteries. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion.