A baggage container caught fire on the ground at Milan Malpensa Airport before British Airways flight BA585 to London Heathrow was loaded, prompting a rapid response from firefighters and ground crews. The Airbus A321neo service was delayed, with the departure moved from around 13:45 to about 16:07, while British Airways reported no wider disruption to its network and only a small number of checked bags were damaged.
No injuries were reported. Video of the incident circulated online, including footage shared by journalist Jon Sopel, showing smoke and flames around the container before the fire was extinguished. Multiple reports pointed to a lithium battery, possibly a power bank inside a checked bag, as the likely source, although the ignition cause has not been formally confirmed and an investigation is under way.
The episode again highlights the risk posed by lithium batteries in checked luggage, a continuing concern for airlines and regulators. Cabins are generally subject to stricter rules for spare batteries and power banks, while hold baggage remains a particular hazard if such items are packed incorrectly or damaged in transit.