Audio reveals moment American Airlines passenger's laptop EXPLODES in flames mid-flight as smoke fills cabin and five people treated for burns in Dallas

Published: 05:16 BST, 23 August 2026 | Updated: 05:22 BST, 23 August 2026

Chilling air traffic control audio has revealed the terrifying moment an American Airlines pilot reported a fire aboard a packed passenger jet after a laptop burst into flames, filling the cabin with smoke and burning several people.

American Airlines Flight 2398 was carrying 133 people from Atlanta to Dallas on Friday when a passenger's laptop suddenly began smoking before catching fire about 30 minutes before the aircraft was due to land.

'Cabin fire in the back of the airplane,' the pilot urgently told air traffic controllers as the frightening emergency unfolded aboard the Airbus A321.

'The flight attendants are trying to put it out now.'

Moments later, the pilot delivered an even more alarming update.

'I think we have about four to five passengers that were burned by the laptop,' he said. 'The laptop is contained about mid-aircraft.'

The dramatic incident sent smoke pouring through the cabin as passengers scrambled away from the burning computer and flight attendants raced to contain it.

Passenger Jessica Irgens, who was sitting just two rows away, told CBS News that the laptop began smoking before catching fire, quickly creating enough smoke that she ran toward the rear of the aircraft.

American Airlines Flight 2398 was carrying 133 people from Atlanta to Dallas when a passenger’s laptop caught fire around 30 minutes before landing (stock image)

The owner of the computer placed the burning device in the aisle, Irgens said, while one or two fellow passengers who attempted to help suffered burns to their hands.

Flight attendants then managed to secure the smoldering laptop inside a special thermal containment bag within around five minutes.

Despite the pilot's initial report that as many as five people may have suffered burns, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport said one passenger ultimately received medical treatment after the aircraft landed. 

That person was treated and released at the scene. The aircraft landed safely at DFW at approximately 6:55pm. 

Emergency personnel were waiting for Flight 2398 when it arrived, and the aircraft was able to taxi to its gate.

Source: Read the original article on www.dailymail.com