Overheated Battery Likely Cause of Fire on Flight to Tasmania

A fire in the overhead locker of a passenger plane en route to Tasmania is believed to have been caused by an overheated battery. The Boeing 737-8FE, operated by Virgin Australia, was heading to Hobart after departing from Sydney this morning.

The incident occurred around 9 a.m. as the aircraft was beginning its descent into Hobart. Smoke was detected entering the cabin, prompting the crew to extinguish the fire while still in flight. According to the airline’s website, lithium batteries are generally allowed in cabin baggage but with certain restrictions. The site also cautions that batteries pose a “unique hazard” during air transport and “can cause a fire if not transported correctly.”

In recent months, airlines in various countries have tightened regulations on carrying batteries due to a series of fire and overheating incidents involving lithium batteries, which are commonly found in smartphones and other electronic devices.

The plane landed safely at Hobart Airport, where firefighters from Airservices Australia responded. They removed a bag from the overhead locker as part of their safety procedures. Hobart Airport chief operating officer Matt Cocker confirmed that all passengers disembarked without incident, although paramedics treated one individual for “suspected smoke inhalation.”