Electric Wheelchair Battery on Plane Combusts

We've seen no shortage of batteries exploding, whether they be in cell phones or laptops. It didn't take long for the FAA to institute bans for certain types (and quantities) of batteries for gadgets, and after an incident on a plane heading for Manchester, England, the U.K. travel administration may want to think about instituting a similar ban.
The battery on an electric wheelchair was found sparking in the cargo hold of a Boeing 757-200 that was carrying carrying 229 passengers. Thankfully, the plane had just landed when the battery started shooting sparks and flames, meaning the resulting danger could be addressed without fears of a major disaster. The wheelchair was removed from the plane, placed on a vehicle, and moments later, burst into flames. That was just dumb luck, though, and highlights the fears that lithium ion batteries of any type can go super-nova mid-air and cause some serious issues. [From: TimesOnline]
























