A laptop battery caught fire aboard an American Airlines flight from Atlanta to Dallas on Friday, reportedly leaving four to five passengers with burns to their hands before the device was contained by cabin crew.

American Airlines Flight 2398, operated by an Airbus A321 carrying about 133 people, landed safely at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport at around 6:55pm local time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Flight attendants used a thermal containment bag to control the burning device. Emergency crews were waiting when the aircraft arrived, and one person was treated and later released, a DFW Airport spokesperson said.

American Airlines said the aircraft landed safely after reports of smoke coming from a passenger’s device and praised the crew for their “professionalism and swift response” in containing the laptop.

Air traffic control audio obtained by CBS Texas captured the pilot reporting that the laptop had caught fire and that several passengers had been burned.

“I think we have about four to five passengers that were burned by the laptop,” the pilot was heard saying. He added that the laptop had been contained around the middle of the aircraft and said the passengers had suffered burns to their hands.

Lithium battery risks

The incident highlights the potential risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in laptops, mobile phones, portable chargers and other electronic devices.

The FAA has recorded 58 incidents involving lithium batteries that caused smoke, fire or other dangerous events aboard passenger aircraft so far in 2026.

The agency warns that lithium-ion batteries can overheat and enter a process known as thermal runaway. This can occur if a battery is damaged, exposed to excessive heat or water, overcharged or improperly packed, and can also result from manufacturing defects.

The aircraft and passengers were able to reach Dallas safely after the crew contained the device.