PANIC broke out on a packed EasyJet flight heading to London after a bag with a vape inside exploded.
The blast sent terrified passengers fleeing from a plane at Heraklion airport in Crete – with one even getting injured on the evacuation slide.
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The emergency evacuation was sparked after a bag containing a power bank and e-cigarettes exploded shortly before take-off.
All 236 passengers on board the flight to London Gatwick had to be evacuated.
Passengers described “a very large red flash and flame followed by thick black smoke” as they fled the plane through evacuation slides.
A passenger told MailOnline they heard someone asking “What is that what is that” moments before the explosion.
Passengers were “screaming bomb and clattering to get out” with some saying a “lady with a vape in her bum bag was waving it around as smoke started to come out”.
A witness described a British woman holding the bag as she tried to leave the plane asking people to get out of the way.
But her bag caught fire forcing her to drop it in the aisle.
A witness said: “Fire and acrid smoke billowed from the bag, popping exploding noises, smoke filled the cabin around the bag.”
The doors of the plane opened and evacuation slides were activated.
A passenger suffered a friction burn from the slide but no other injuries were reported.
Passengers were allowed to return to the aircraft to collect their belongings before catching a different flight in the evening.
Executives offered support to traumatised airline staff – highlighting the seriousness of the incident.
One source told The Sun: “It was a dramatic scene but staff kept their cool and everyone was so grateful the fire didn’t break out at 30,000ft. That doesn’t bear thinking about.”
Bart Prudon, EasyJet director of flight operations, told staff the evacuation was caused by an “electrical fire in a customer’s cabin bag”.
In a letter to staff he said: “Our crew immediately followed procedure, which included evacuating the aircraft, using extinguishers, and called the airport fire services.
“Medical services were made available to both our customers and our crew.”
He added: “I want to say thank you to our crew who responded so quickly and everyone who supported the operation during this incident.
“We understand events such as these can have an impact on our colleagues and we are here to support you too should you need it.”
An airline spokesperson told The Sun: “EasyJet can confirm that flight EZY8216 from Heraklion to London Gatwick was evacuated during boarding prior to departure on 17 September, due to a fire in a passenger’s cabin bag. Fire services attended the aircraft and cabin crew evacuated the aircraft in line with procedures.
“Customers were looked after in the terminal while a replacement aircraft and crew were arranged to fly customers home later the same day. Safety is our highest priority.”