CEO of airline falls asleep with charger in socket against regulations – and causes fire on plane

Former KLM CEO Camiel Eurlings caused a fire on a plane after falling asleep with a mobile device plugged into an electrical socket, violating safety regulations. The device exploded about five and a half hours after takeoff from Curaçao, burning a window and injuring one person. The plane was forced to return to Amsterdam.

Former KLM CEO Camiel Eurlings caused embarrassment to himself and the company after violating safety regulations during a flight to Curaçao. Eurlings fell asleep in his seat with a mobile device plugged into an electrical socket, contrary to regulations prohibiting the charging of mobile devices during the flight. About five and a half hours after takeoff, the device exploded with a loud noise, igniting part of the passenger cabin and causing burns to one person. The crew quickly extinguished the fire, but the plane was forced to turn around over the Atlantic Ocean and return to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. Photos from the plane show the window next to Eurlings' seat charred and covered in soot, and his mobile device and phone charger burned. KLM reported that one man was injured with burns but did not specify if it was Eurlings. Eurlings ran KLM from 2011 to 2014, served as the Dutch Minister of Transport, and as a member of parliament. The fact that he was responsible for the incident sparked anger, as airline CEOs are expected to be aware of the dangers and comply with regulations.