A Samsung Note 2 created a massive security scare in a mid-air Chennai bound IndiGo international flight with more than 180 passengers on board.

Passengers witnessed smoke coming out from the overhead cabin after which a half burnt handset was discovered. IndiGo in a statement said: IndiGo confirms that a few passengers travelling on 6E-054 flight from Singapore to Chennai noticed the smoke smell in the cabin this morning (September 23, 2016) and immediately alerted the cabin crew on board. The crew quickly identified minor smoke coming from the hat-rack of seat 23 C and simultaneously informed the Pilot-in-Command who further alerted the ATC of the situation on board. Taking the precautionary measure, the cabin crew on priority relocated all passengers on other seats, and further observed smoke being emitted from a Samsung Note 2 which was placed in the baggage (of a passenger) in the overhead bin. The crew discharged the fire extinguisher which is as per the Standard Operating Procedures prescribed by the aircraft manufacturer, and quickly transferred the Samsung Note 2 into a container filled with water in lavatory. The aircraft made a normal landing at Chennai airport, and all passengers were deplaned as per normal procedure.

All passengers were safe and no one suffered any injury. The handset has been submitted to aviation regulator DGCA who has summoned Samsung officials in Delhi.

This is not the first time that a Samsung product has led to security scare. Earlier DGCA issued a specific circular for Samsung Note 7 preventing passengers from carrying it in check-in baggage or carrying it in switched on mode in hand baggage.