New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
At 8:44 pm, Virgin Atlantic Flight 138, New York (JFK)-London, reported fire on board in the passenger compartment, which was extinguished by crew. Smoke and flames were emanating from a passenger seat. The plane made an emergency landing at Logan. 217 passengers were safely evacuated and moved to Terminal E-6. Delta maintenance assisted with mechanical evaluation, while the State Police Troop F Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (MSP EOD) inspected the seat; wires were protruding from the area of the fire.
MSP EOD located and examined a device located between the cushions of the seat that ignited. Preliminary investigation suggests it is a battery pack consistent in appearance with an external phone charger. One passenger refused EMS for smoke-related complaint.
The investigation is ongoing and being conducted by the State Police Troop F EOD and the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit.
