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The power bank of a former Dutch minister exploded on a plane

A power bank belonging to a former Dutch minister exploded on a plane flying over the Atlantic Ocean, causing a fire on board. As a result, the crew was forced to make an emergency return.

The KLM Boeing was heading from Amsterdam to the island of Curaçao in the southern Caribbean.

5.5 hours after takeoff, while the plane was flying over the Atlantic, the power bank caught fire in the business class cabin. According to witnesses, Eurlings had put the device on charge and fallen asleep.

According to airline rules, using or charging a power bank during flight is prohibited. The crew quickly extinguished the fire, but the aircraft commander decided not to take any risks and ordered a return to Amsterdam.

For reference, 53-year-old Camiel Eurlings headed the Netherlands' Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management from 2007 to 2010. From 2013 to 2014, he served as the head of KLM. Interestingly, the plane involved in the incident belongs to this very airline.

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