SriLankan crew members avert major incident onboard UL 166

31 July 2017 02:51 pm - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Cabin crew members aboard SriLankan flight enroute to Colombo from Kochi on Sunday had managed to successfully avert a major incident which is believed to have been caused by the ignition of a lithium battery pack or mobile phones in a passenger’s hand luggage, the Airline said today.

Issuing a statement, it said the cabin crew members noticed smoke appearing from an overhead luggage bin.

“The aft cabin crew members rapidly armed themselves with fire extinguishers and opened the bin. Upon finding a bag emitting smoke, they sprayed it with an extinguisher. The crew then removed the bag from the overhead bin and carried it quickly away from the passengers to the aft galley, at which time it began to emit smoke once again at a faster rate. Suspecting a lithium fire, they adopted the lithium fire extinguishing procedure by immersing the bag in a container of water. The situation was successfully contained and the bag ceased to emit smoke. Upon investigation, the crew found a lithium battery pack and two mobile phones in the bag,” the statement said.

The crew had informed air traffic controllers at the BIA and the aircraft was met on arrival by dangerous goods experts, firefighters and other safety related personnel.

“With its prime priority being the safety and well-being of its passengers, SriLankan Airlines provides all its cabin crew with rigorous training in the handling of all types of emergency situations including possible fires on board. Also, the Airline has been actively involved in global safety measures with regard to spontaneous ignition of Lithium batteries. In October 2016, SriLankan imposed a total ban on the carriage and usage of ‘Samsung Note 7’ on board its aircraft,” the statement further said.

SriLankan Airlines, which launched an investigation into the incident, commended the crew for their vigilance, timely action and calmness under pressure in adopting the proper procedures, which avoided a major incident.

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Comments - 18

Dr.N.S.Nathan Monday, 31 July 2017 03:22 PM

Well done cabin crew.At last some Kudos for sri Lankan.

Capt Stick Monday, 31 July 2017 04:54 PM

If it was a lithium battery, how did UL allow it onboard their aircraft? Ultimately, the airline is held responsible for ensuring these items are not allowed on their aircraft!

Killa Tuesday, 01 August 2017 11:31 AM

Lthium batteries are everyhwere from Laptops to Phones.

Dee Monday, 31 July 2017 03:33 PM

Who's the idiot who brought those battery packs? Publish his name and photos.

Ronnie Bugger Tuesday, 01 August 2017 09:21 AM

Don't blow your top. These things happen. Just thank the crew for bring down the plane in one piece.

Faqi Thursday, 03 August 2017 11:54 AM

Are you living under a rock, most electronic devices have lithium batteries. They are allowed on planes.

ANTON Monday, 31 July 2017 03:55 PM

AT HIGHER ALTITUDES , PRESSURE DECREASES AND VOLUME INCREASES SIMULTANEOUSLY, .... THIS MUST BE THE REASON FOR EXPANSION AND HEATING OF THE CONTENTS INSIDE THE BATTERY.

Sanje Monday, 31 July 2017 03:58 PM

Well done Team. Hats Off and salute. Cheers.

TONY Monday, 31 July 2017 06:47 PM

THE CREW SHOULD BE CONGRATULATED FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN CONTROLLING POSSIBLE FIRE, HOW COME THE SECURITY ALLOWED THIS ITEM TO BE CARRIED BY THE PASSENGER

suresh Monday, 31 July 2017 06:49 PM

Lithium batteries are allowed to be carried in hand luggage. Well done team

varunadhar Monday, 31 July 2017 06:59 PM

While greatly appreciating the efforts of Sri Lankan airline crew members for their timely act to avert a major midair disaster AND positive comments made by the readers for this act, I was really appalled to see negative ratings (thumbs down) given by some readers!I can't fathom as to why negative ratings have been given where the efforts of Sri Lankan crew members need to be appreciated regardless of ethnicity, political preferences, etc.

Time Up Tuesday, 01 August 2017 09:44 AM

While congratulating on this, I would like to draw the attention on a news item published a month ago saying government would take a decision by 31st July on SriLankan Airlines.

lankan Tuesday, 01 August 2017 10:54 AM

Well done!

ceylon Tuesday, 01 August 2017 01:28 PM

this air line has great employees.only the politicians involve and top political emoyees tarnishing the air line.great thank for this great employees.name them publicly and offer certificates of excellent service. via DM Android App

Lasanatha Pethiyagoda Tuesday, 01 August 2017 02:00 PM

While the administration of Sri Lankan Airlines is the pits with colossal losses, the poor cabin crew who also earn six-figure rupee salaries have done their job to bring the fire under control. well-done!!

ceylon Tuesday, 01 August 2017 02:46 PM

no action agaist the security check exray officials allowing these bateries to in.however its great batteries are in the cabinotherwise its air crash. via DM Android App

Hil Monday, 07 August 2017 10:59 AM

Cabin crew should be commended for averting a tragedy.

mohamed faiz samad Monday, 07 August 2017 12:03 PM

Thanks to cabin crew members and the rest. serious action should be taken against security check exray office. This will will make other officers to be make careful during their duty times. Thanks

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SriLankan crew members avert major incident onboard UL 166

Comments - 18

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