Local News

A fire aboard a plane forced it to make an emergency landing in Boston

The plane had taken off from New York City and was bound for London.

MassPort Fire / MSP

A plane bound for London made an emergency landing in Boston after a fire started at a passenger’s seat Thursday night, according to state police.

Virgin Atlantic Flight 138, which took off from New York City’s John F. Kennedy airport, reported the fire at 8:44 p.m., authorities said. Crew members put out the fire, and the plane then made the emergency landing at Logan airport. 

A total of 217 passengers were evacuated, according to state police.

“[State police] located and examined a device located between the cushions of the seat that ignited,” police said. “Preliminary investigation suggests it is a battery pack consistent in appearance with an external phone charger.”

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No one was reportedly injured from the incident, and passengers were waiting for an alternative plane Thursday night.

MassPort Fire / MSP