Exploding Battery Pack Forces Evacuation: 72 Battery Fires in 2024

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On January 28, 2025, an Air Busan Airbus A321 preparing for departure from Gimhae International Airport in South Korea was evacuated after a fire broke out in an overhead bin. Investigators suspect a portable battery pack was the cause. All 169 passengers and seven crew members escaped using emergency slides, but seven people suffered minor injuries. Fortunately, the fire started while the plane was still on the ground—had this happened mid-flight, the outcome could have been far worse.

This incident is part of a growing trend. In 2024, there were 72 lithium battery fires on aircraft, a 12.5% increase from the previous year, according to FAA data. With more devices than ever being carried onboard, these fires are becoming an uncomfortable reality. How long before one happens in the worst possible place? Let’s break down the numbers and what’s fueling this rise in incidents.

FAA Data: https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/resources/lithium_batteries/incidents