SCHIPHOL, WILLEMSTAD – New details have emerged about the power bank incident that forced KLM flight KL735 from Amsterdam to Curaçao to turn around over the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday. According to Dutch news outlet NU.nl, multiple sources say the power bank that exploded in the aircraft's business class belonged to former KLM CEO and former Dutch minister Camiel Eurlings.
KLM has not confirmed the identity of the passenger involved, citing privacy considerations. The airline did confirm, however, that one man suffered minor burn injuries in the incident.
Eurlings served as president and CEO of KLM from July 2013 until October 2014, when he was succeeded by Pieter Elbers.
According to the new information, the incident occurred in the business-class cabin while the aircraft was en route to Curaçao. Images provided to NU.nl reportedly show a blackened aircraft window following the explosion.
Two sources told the Dutch news organization that Eurlings had fallen asleep while the power bank was charging. The device subsequently exploded with a loud bang. KLM itself has not confirmed this account.
The incident is particularly notable because KLM has specific restrictions governing the use of power banks aboard its aircraft. Passengers may carry up to two power banks with a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours each in their hand luggage. However, they must remain visible and may not be stored in overhead baggage compartments. KLM also prohibits passengers from using or charging power banks during the flight.
Passengers said warnings about the risks and rules surrounding power banks had been given several times during the flight.
When the device exploded, a small fire broke out in the cabin. Passengers have praised the KLM crew for responding immediately and extinguishing the flames before the situation escalated.
Despite the fire being brought under control, the captain decided that continuing across the Atlantic was not advisable. The aircraft therefore turned around and returned to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport after more than six hours in the air.
Curaçaoan singer Izaline Calister, who was aboard the flight, had previously reported that passengers remained calm and that the cabin crew handled the situation quickly.
The passengers affected by Thursday's aborted flight have since boarded another aircraft and are on their way to Curaçao.
KLM has not indicated whether the incident will result in stricter rules for power banks. According to the airline, it is still too early to determine whether its current policy needs to be changed.
Lithium-ion batteries used in power banks can enter what is known as "thermal runaway" if damaged, defective or overheated. This can cause extremely rapid heating, smoke and fire, which is why airlines impose strict conditions on how such batteries are transported and used aboard aircraft.