Disaster averted!
A quick-thinking JetBlue Airways crew doused a passenger’s
backpack in water after it exploded and caught on fire shortly before takeoff.
According to The
New York Post, the incident happened at John F. Kennedy International
Airport in New York City. There were no injuries, but all passengers had to
evacuate the flight scheduled to depart for Miami.
The culprit was an overheated battery charger inside the
backpack of passenger Jimmy Levy, a previous contestant on American Idol, who
has more than one million followers on Instagram.
“I was jolted awake by a sudden and terrifying wave of heat
which was seemingly shooting towards my face,” Levy, 25, told Caters News. “I
immediately opened my eyes and noticed my backpack, which was initially tucked
underneath my seat, now in a floating ball of fire.”
“I thought someone tried to attack me because I’m a known
political figure and musician,” Levy continued.
But the flight crew jumped into action, pouring water on the
backpack and avoiding what could have been a catastrophe.
“With the help of the flight staff and water, the fire was
contained,” Levy explained. “However, due to the gravity of the situation,
everyone was required to evacuate the plane for a thorough investigation.”
JetBlue officials said the flight “was evacuated while at
the gate before takeoff due to a customer’s malfunctioning electronic device or
battery. Our crew immediately responded and addressed the situation, and there
were no requests for medical assistance.”
“Safety is our number one priority, and we are investigating
the incident,” the statement concluded.
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