Emergency Evacuation of IndiGo Flight 6E 108 After Power Bank Fire

Introduction

On May 5, 2026, an IndiGo plane traveling from Hyderabad to Chandigarh had to be evacuated urgently after a passenger's power bank caught fire while the aircraft was taxiing.

Main Body

The incident happened as flight 6E 108, an A321 aircraft, arrived at Bay 1 at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport. A passenger in seat 39C informed the crew that a power bank in the seat pocket of passenger 39A had caught fire. Although the cabin crew used two fire extinguishers, smoke continued to spread through the cabin, which forced the crew to declare an emergency. Consequently, they opened six emergency slides to help approximately 200 passengers and six crew members leave the plane quickly. In terms of injuries, reports show that several passengers suffered minor scratches. Specifically, one woman dislocated her ankle and was taken to a private hospital. While an Air Force fire truck was waiting nearby, it was not needed. The aircraft was scheduled for technical checks before it could fly again. This event highlights the importance of the 2026 Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules. These regulations state that power banks must be kept in carry-on luggage and cannot be used to charge devices during the flight. Furthermore, the DGCA has banned storing spare batteries and power banks in overhead bins to reduce the risk of hidden fires and make them easier to control.

Conclusion

The aircraft has been grounded for inspection, and the passengers have been taken to the terminal for medical help and administrative support.

Learning

🚀 The 'Logic Connector' Upgrade

At the A2 level, you probably use and, but, and because for everything. To reach B2, you need to use Formal Transition Words. These are like bridges that tell the reader why the next sentence is happening.

Look at these three shifts from the text:

1. The 'Result' Bridge

  • A2 Style: The smoke spread. So, they opened the slides.
  • B2 Style: "...smoke continued to spread through the cabin, which forced the crew to declare an emergency. Consequently, they opened six emergency slides..."
  • Coach's Tip: Use Consequently or Therefore when one event causes another. It sounds professional and organized.

2. The 'Adding Info' Bridge

  • A2 Style: Power banks must be in carry-on bags. Also, you cannot use them to charge.
  • B2 Style: "...power banks must be kept in carry-on luggage... Furthermore, the DGCA has banned storing spare batteries..."
  • Coach's Tip: Furthermore is the B2 version of also. Use it when you are adding a second, more important rule or point to your argument.

3. The 'Specific Detail' Bridge

  • A2 Style: Some people were hurt. For example, a woman hurt her ankle.
  • B2 Style: "...several passengers suffered minor scratches. Specifically, one woman dislocated her ankle..."
  • Coach's Tip: Instead of For example, use Specifically when you are zooming in on one exact detail to prove a general point.

Quick Reference Table for Your Next Essay

Instead of... (A2)Try using... (B2)Purpose
So / Because of thatConsequentlyShowing a result
Also / AndFurthermoreAdding more weight
For exampleSpecificallyGiving a precise detail

Vocabulary Learning

evacuate (v.)
To move people or animals from a dangerous place to safety
Example:The crew had to evacuate the passengers quickly after the fire.
cabin (n.)
The interior space of an aircraft where passengers sit
Example:Smoke spread through the cabin, forcing the crew to act.
extinguish (v.)
To put out a fire or flame
Example:The crew used two fire extinguishers to try to extinguish the flames.
declare (v.)
To announce or state formally
Example:The crew had to declare an emergency when the fire continued.
emergency (n.)
A serious, unexpected situation that requires immediate action
Example:The emergency slides were opened to help passengers escape.
slide (n.)
A device that allows people to descend quickly from a high place
Example:Six emergency slides were deployed to help the passengers leave the plane.
scratch (n.)
A small injury caused by a minor cut
Example:Several passengers suffered minor scratches from the incident.
dislocate (v.)
To move a joint out of its normal position
Example:One woman dislocated her ankle and was taken to a hospital.
grounded (adj.)
Not allowed to fly; kept on the ground for safety checks
Example:The aircraft has been grounded for inspection after the fire.
inspection (n.)
A thorough examination to check for problems or safety
Example:The plane underwent a detailed inspection before it could fly again.