A flight rolled out by Air China was said to have experienced a terrifying mid-air incident involving a fire.

According to reports from local media outlets, the plane was traveling from Hangzhou to Incheon, South Korea was diverted to Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport. The incident arose when a lithium ion battery inside hte passenger’s carry on bag spontaneously ignited inside the overhead compartment.

Both smoke and flames were seen coming out from the compartment as the plane was still airborne. Cabin crew members swiftly responded to put out the blaze by using fire extinguishers and followed all emergency protocols.

The airline stated how the incident involved a battery that spontaneously ignited and confirmed how no injuries were sustained to those traveling inside the plane. The plane then proceeded to make an emergency landing at Pudong to ensure flight safety after which a replacement jet completed the journey to Seoul.

Experts highlighted how the lithium ion batteries could undergo thermal runaway which is a phenomenon involving self-heating that gives rise to flames or explosion.

When damaged, overheated, overcharged, or improperly packed, it ensues. Many devices like power banks, laptops, and smartphones are common culprits of this. In response to the rising number of such incidents, airline regulators are tightening rules on carrying power banks and batteries without proper certification.