A Virgin Australia flight has landed safely in Hobart after cabin crew extinguished a fire that broke out in an overhead locker during the aircraft’s descent.
Flight VA1528 from Sydney was approaching Hobart just after 9am on Monday when passengers reported smelling smoke approximately 10 minutes before landing.
According to those on board, the crew opened an overhead compartment and discovered a lithium battery on fire.
Passengers told Pulse they saw flames leap out of the locker when it was opened.
Cabin crew extinguished the fire by dousing the overhead compartment with water after initial attempts with onboard fire extinguishers were reportedly unsuccessful.
One passenger described a moment of panic, with several travellers jumping out of their seats as the fire was discovered.
According to witnesses, flight attendants instructed passengers not to film the incident as it unfolded.
Once on the ground, airport firefighters boarded the aircraft and removed the bag containing the smouldering battery.
Hobart Airport COO Matt Cocker told Pulse one person was attended to by paramedics for suspected smoke inhalation.
“The outbound Virgin flight back to Sydney is currently delayed, however all other operations at Hobart Airport are running as usual,” he said.
Virgin said flight and cabin crew were checked over by paramedics as a precaution and given the all-clear.
“Safety is always our highest priority. We appreciate the swift and professional response of our flight and cabin crew, as well as the support of Airservices Australia firefighters,” a Virgin Australia spokesperson told Pulse.
They confirmed its guest contact centre is reaching out to passengers seated in rows near the incident.
The aircraft VH-YFY is currently being inspected for damage and a replacement aircraft is being arranged for the return flight to Sydney.
