A Ryanair aircraft had to be evacuated on the runway at Barcelona-El Prat airport today after a passenger's external power pack caught fire. The plane was about to take off for Ibiza when it stopped and the emergency slides were deployed to evacuate the passengers.
A witness told Catalan public broadcaster TV3 that smoke started coming from a bag containing an portable charger for mobiles or other electronic devices. The fire was extinguished quickly, but the emergency protocol was activated regardless. After a few tense moments within the plane, the emergency exits were opened and the passengers and crew were able to get out.
No one was injured in the incident, beyond a few light burns, as normal for evacuations by slides. The passengers were then taken to the terminal where they were given food and water whilst waiting to board another plane.