CHAOS erupted on a flight to Hong Kong when a fire broke out above the heads of unsuspecting passengers.
Footage from the shocking moment shows smoke and flames coming out of one of the overhead lockers after the plane departed Hangzhou, China.
Jam PressCabin crew members and some passengers poured water on the overhead locker that was on fire[/caption]
Jam PressThe locker was left charred after the fire was extinguished[/caption]
Jam PressPassengers scrambled for bottles of water to douse the flames[/caption]
Several shocked passengers quickly leapt into action, opening the locker and pouring any liquid they had onto the fire.
Some rummaged through bags to grab cartons and milk and juice that could be used to douse the blaze.
Quick-thinking cabin-crew raided the refreshment trolley to pass down bottles of water to help extinguish the flames.
Others climbed on top of the seats and the drinks cart to get better access to the fire.
Water can be seen cascading out of the overhead lockers as other passengers watched on from their seats.
Those on board reportedly heard a loud bang before smoke started pouring into the cabin from the locker.
One passenger recorded the moment and later said: “I was so scared. I didn’t expect this to happen.
“We flew for about half an hour and suddenly, two men shouted ‘There’s a fire!’
“We saw the upper deck’s luggage was on fire. The fire was quit big. I was so scared my legs were shaking.
“All of us started to pour water over it. We were afraid that the fire would be re-ignited.”
“We couldn’t do anything in the air – I could only pray for safety.”
She added that the fire was extinguished after 20 minutes and that passengers were afraid of being poisoned.
No one was injured in the incident.
Cabin footage after the fire was extinguished showed the charred locker that still contained some belongings.
Jam PressOne passenger said how she ‘prayed for safety’ during the terrifying incident that left her shaking[/caption]
Jam PressThe fire broke out around 30 minutes into the flight[/caption]
Jam PressWater cascades down from the overhead lockers[/caption]
When the locker was closed again, it looked as though the cabin crew stuffed a fire blanket in the locker to be sure that it was extinguished.
Pilots were forced to make an emergency landing following the bizarre incident.
It was only half way through the 662 mile journey when it touched down in Fuzhou, China, and was met on the tarmac by fire engines.
The woman who detailed the terrifying incident said that everyone clapped when the plane touched ground.
The Hong Kong Airlines flight HX115 touched down an hour and 41 minutes after takeoff.
The stunned passengers were quickly evacuated off the aircraft and were shuttled by bus away from the Airbus A320.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
A Hong Kong Airlines spokesperson said: “Flight HX115, departing from Hangzhou to Hong Kong diverted and landed safely in Fuzhou Changle International Airport due to a fire in the overhead compartment, which was successfully extinguished.”
Jam PressAn investigation is ongoing into how the fire started[/caption]
Jam PressPilots made an emergency landing at Fuzhou Changle International Airport[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
