Terrified easyJet passengers scream 'bomb' after vape explodes on UK-bound flight

Passengers on Flight EZY8216 evacuated the cabin when a fire broke out ahead of take off from Heraklion airport in Crete as a bag of vapes went up in flames on the tarmac

Panicking passengers screamed “bomb” as they were evacuated from an easyJet flight set to depart for London after a fire started inside as a bag.

The plane full of 236 people were preparing for take off from Heraklion airport in Crete to Gatwick when a bag said to have contained a vape and a power bank suddenly exploded. Acrid smoke filled the cabin as all passengers were evacuated from flight EZY8216.

One panicking passenger told MailOnline they heard people scream “bomb” as they rushed to get off the plane, as emergency chutes were launched from the doorways. Another said they heard someone asking: “what is that, what is that?” Seconds later, the explosion happened.

Others described seeing a very large red flash and flames, followed by thick black smoke in the cramped cabin.

One source told the Sun : “It was a dramatic scene but staff kept their cool and everyone was so grateful the fire didn’t break out at 30,000ft. That doesn't bear thinking about.”

In a letter to staff, Bart Prudon, EasyJet director of flight operations, said the fire was caused by a fire in a passenger’s bag. He wrote: “Our crew immediately followed procedure, which included evacuating the aircraft, using extinguishers, and called the airport fire services. Medical services were made available to both our customers and our crew.

“I want to say thank you to our crew who responded so quickly and everyone who supported the operation during this incident. We understand events such as these can have an impact on our colleagues and we are here to support you too should you need it.”

In a statement shared with the Mirror, the airline said: “easyJet can confirm flight EZY8216 from Heraklion to London Gatwick was evacuated during boarding prior to departure on 17 September, due to a fire in a passenger’s cabin bag. Fire services attended the aircraft and cabin crew evacuated the aircraft in line with procedures.

“Customers were looked after in the terminal while a replacement aircraft and crew were arranged to fly customers home later the same day. Safety is our highest priority.”