Laptop Catches Fire Mid-Flight, Leaving Five Passengers With Burn Injuries

A commercial flight travelling from Atlanta to Dallas turned into a terrifying emergency when a passenger's laptop suddenly caught fire in the cabin, leaving up to five passengers injured. As per reports, the incident occurred aboard American Airlines Flight 2398. The plane, carrying 133 passengers and crew members, was approaching its destination at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport when smoke and flames broke out near the rear of the aircraft. Air traffic control audio recordings, obtained by CBS News, captured the captain reporting the cabin fire.

"Cabin fire in the back of the airplane," the pilot said, as mentioned by the media outlet. "The flight attendants are trying to put it out now."

Flight attendants acted quickly to extinguish the flames and moved the burning device to the middle section of the plane to prevent further damage.

"I think we have about four to five passengers that were burned by the laptop," the captain reportedly said. "The laptop is contained about mid-aircraft."

Several travellers suffered minor burn injuries on their hands while trying to handle or avoid the burning computer.

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According to the BBC, the plane made a safe landing at the airport and taxied directly to the gate. Medical teams and airport emergency responders immediately met the aircraft upon arrival. Paramedics evaluated the injured travellers, and one passenger received on-site medical treatment before being released.

In a statement following the landing, American Airlines commended the flight crew for their quick thinking and professional response in controlling the hazardous situation.

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"American Airlines flight 2398 landed safely at DFW after reports of smoke from a customer's device during landing," the airline told CBS in a statement.

"We thank our crew for their professionalism and swift response to quickly contain the device."