Smoke was reported inside the cabin of an American Airlines flight traveling from Miami to San Francisco on Friday, resulting in minor injuries to three passengers. Flight 2045 landed at San Francisco International Airport at approximately 11 a.m. PT when the crew noticed smoke emanating from the cabin as the aircraft approached the gate. Fire officials responded promptly, evacuating passengers who were subsequently moved to a different terminal. The San Francisco Fire Department confirmed that three individuals sustained minor injuries, with one requiring medical transport.

Fire Caused by Laptop Inside Passenger Bag

The source of the smoke was identified as a laptop inside a passenger’s bag, stated the airline. “The bag was quickly removed by our crew members and all customers exited the aircraft,” the airline stated. “We thank our crew members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for the inconvenience.” Evacuation procedures included some passengers exiting the Airbus A321 using emergency slides, while others deplaned through the jet bridge.

Other Recent Airline Incidents

The smoke incident on Friday was not the first American Airlines flight disruption of the week. On Wednesday, an American Airlines aircraft bound for Phoenix experienced a fire when a tire blew upon takeoff in Tampa, Florida. The Boeing 737-800 faced a “mechanical issue” with its tires, leading to a delay, according to American Airlines spokesman Alfredo Garduño. All 174 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated to the terminal, and no other flight operations were affected by the incident. Passengers were subsequently rebooked on alternative flights to Phoenix. Additionally, a United Airlines aircraft flying from Los Angeles to Denver lost a wheel upon takeoff on Monday but managed to land safely without further issues.

These incidents highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and the efficiency of airline and airport response teams in ensuring passenger safety during unexpected situations. American Airlines crew members were praised for their swift actions in addressing the smoke situation and safely evacuating passengers. The airline expressed its gratitude for the crew’s professionalism and apologized for the inconvenience caused to travelers.

While the cause of the smoke was quickly identified and contained, the incident underscores the potential hazards posed by electronic devices on flights and the need for continued vigilance and safety protocols. The prompt response by fire officials and airline staff ensured that the situation was managed effectively, minimizing the impact on passengers and airport operations.