Power bank explosion injures five on IndiGo Hyderabad–Chandigarh flight, sparks mid-cabin panic

At least five passengers were injured after a power bank exploded on board an IndiGo flight arriving from Hyderabad to Chandigarh on Tuesday, officials said.

The incident occurred on flight 6E 108 shortly after landing, while the aircraft was taxiing toward the parking bay at Chandigarh airport. The explosion triggered smoke inside the cabin, causing panic among passengers.

According to airline sources, the flight landed safely at around 3:29 p.m. with 198 passengers, two infants and six crew members on board. A passenger seated in row 39 reported that a power bank inside a bag had caught fire and exploded.

Cabin crew responded quickly, using fire extinguishers to contain the flames. However, due to the accumulation of dense smoke, emergency protocols were initiated.

Emergency exits were opened at about 3:35 p.m., and passengers were evacuated using inflatable slides. A fire tender team arrived shortly after, though the situation had already been brought under control by the crew.

Injured passengers were given immediate medical assistance, and at least one person was transported by ambulance, according to visuals from the scene.

In a statement, IndiGo confirmed that the aircraft was evacuated as a precaution and that authorities had been informed. The airline said the aircraft would undergo a detailed technical inspection before returning to service, reiterating that passenger safety remains its top priority.

The incident comes amid strict regulations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which banned the use of power banks for charging devices during flights from January 2026 due to fire risks linked to lithium batteries. The devices are allowed only in hand baggage for quicker detection in case of overheating, and are prohibited in overhead compartments.

Police and airport authorities have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the explosion.