Experts have issued a warning that passengers traveling by air should ensure that their power banks are in good working order and procured from trusted brands. This comes in the wake of an incident where a fire broke out on a plane preparing to depart from South Korea to Hong Kong, suspected to have been caused by a faulty charging device.

Ongoing investigations are striving to determine the origin of the fire that consumed the Air Busan aircraft at Gimhae International Airport in South Korea. Preliminary reports from local media suggest that a power bank stored in an overhead locker may have triggered the incident.

Initial reports from authorities indicated that three individuals were injured, but this figure was revised to seven the following day. One person is still receiving medical attention, according to the country’s transport ministry. The Airbus A321 was evacuated, with 169 passengers and seven crew members making their exit via inflatable slides.

Lo Kok-keung, a retired engineering professor renowned for his expert testimony on traffic accidents, stressed the importance of passengers ensuring their power banks are in good condition and advised against bringing older ones on board.

It is crucial for cabin crew members to be made aware immediately of any issues with power banks during flights.

Kok-keung pointed out that the internal insulator or wires within older power banks could deteriorate over time, which might result in a short circuit.

It is imperative for passengers to be aware of these potential risks, especially those interested in investing in airline stocks or who are frequent flyers. Ensuring the safety of all passengers is paramount, and being aware of the potential dangers of faulty power banks can contribute significantly to this.