American Airlines Flight Lands Safely After Lithium Battery Fire Injures Passenger Near Dallas

American Airlines Flight 2398 completed a safe landing at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on Friday evening following an onboard laptop battery fire that occurred as the Airbus A321 approached the facility from Atlanta. Federal Aviation Administration officials confirmed the incident, which prompted immediate action from the flight crew and deployment of emergency personnel upon touchdown.

Flight attendants successfully contained the lithium-ion battery fire using a thermal containment bag, preventing the situation from escalating further. The aircraft touched down at approximately 6:55 p.m. local time and taxied to the gate under its own power, where emergency responders awaited the plane in accordance with standard safety protocols.

One passenger received medical treatment at the scene for burns sustained during the incident and was subsequently released. The flight carried 133 people aboard at the time of the emergency, according to air traffic control records obtained by CBS News.

Passenger Jessica Irgens reported that the fire originated roughly 30 minutes before landing when another traveler’s laptop began emitting smoke and ignited. Irgens, seated two rows distant from the device, relocated toward the rear of the cabin due to heavy smoke accumulation, while nearby passengers attempted to assist.

Pilot communications with air traffic control indicated that approximately four to five passengers may have sustained burn injuries. The FAA is actively investigating the incident and has reiterated that lithium batteries can undergo thermal runaway—an overheating process triggered by damage, excessive heat exposure, water contact, overcharging, or improper packaging.