Mohali, May 6 -- What began as a routine journey turned into moments of horror for passengers aboard an IndiGo flight from Hyderabad to Chandigarh on Tuesday, when a power bank reportedly caught fire shortly after landing, filling the cabin with smoke. The aircraft had already come to a halt when panic spread through the cabin. Passengers were told to leave their belongings behind as crew members deployed emergency slides and rushed everyone out. Several passengers were injured during the evacuation, including a woman, Richa Acharya, who suffered multiple fractures while descending the emergency slide. Her husband, Saurabh Acharya said they were returning from a Goa trip, via Hyderabad. "There was smoke, and then panic... It all happened so fast. My wife twisted her leg while coming down the slide," he said. Airport authorities immediately took her to a private hospital in Zirakpur, from where she was shifted to Max hospital. Around five to six other passengers also sustained minor injuries, including scratches and bruises. They were given first-aid at the airport. Recounting the incident, Hyderabad-based IT professional Divya Chauhan, who was travelling with her daughter, said she was seated in the third row, whereas the blaze started at the rear end of the aircraft. "There was sudden commotion and the air hostesses kept telling everyone not to panic," she said. Chauhan said when the smoke started spreading, everyone grew anxious. "Some people were trying to rush out, but the crew ensured that evacuation took place in an orderly manner," she added. "I held my daughter and we exited through the slide. It was chaotic but managed well," she said. She further said another passenger informed her that a power bank had caught fire. "A woman sitting beside the person whose power bank caught fire, told us that a man had been using his power bank the entire time in the flight while watching a movie. He continued charging his device throughout the flight, including during landing, when such use is not permitted," said Chauhan. Aviation safety norms in several countries, including India, place restrictions on the use of power banks on board, particularly during critical phases such as take-off and landing. Use of mobile phones is also regulated during these periods. Passengers on board alleged that these protocols may not have been strictly enforced in this instance. "Had the fire broken out mid-air or during landing, the situation could have been far more serious," Chauhan said. She lodged a complaint with airport authorities, flagging both the individual's alleged violation and concerns that the cabin crew did not intervene while the device was in use. Chauhan, however, acknowledged that the crew responded promptly once the incident occurred and ensured safe evacuation of all passengers. The flight, which was to proceed to Bengaluru, was grounded for detailed technical checks and alternative arrangement was made to accommodate onward passengers. However, due to operational disruptions and aircraft unavailability, the replacement flight was delayed and departed at around 5:37 pm, instead of 4.30. Airport sources said such incidents are treated seriously, especially if passenger actions lead to emergency slidedeployment. Investigations are conducted to determine whether the cause was negligence or violation of safety norms. Officials added deployment of slides results in operational losses for airlines due to repair, repacking, and delays, and can invite penalties or legal action. >full report: mainbook page 1...