Scandinavian Airlines Abandons Flight Amid Fire Risk from Lithium Batteries

A Scandinavian Airlines flight was abandoned after a lithium battery ignited in a suitcase during boarding at Oslo Gardermoen Airport. Eight passengers were hospitalized with suspected inhaling toxic fumes. The incident occurred on an SAS Airbus A320neo, registered SE-RUR, which had been due to fly to Bergen Flesland Airport. Several airlines have taken steps to limit the threat from lithium batteries catching fire in the cabin. According to AeroTime, investigators say the fire was caused by a lithium battery in a customer’s hand luggage. The preliminary report published by Norway’s Accident Investigation Authority stated that after the first attempt to extinguish the flames, the fire restarted. Those who were taken to hospital were discharged within 48 hours.