E-cigarette ignites on flight waiting to depart Atlanta

E-cigarettes have become a popular alternative to their tobacco counterparts, as they're convenient, cost-effective, and presumed to present fewer health risks.

SEE ALSO: Truck driver crashes on highway after e-cigarette explodes

Unfortunately, their batteries spontaneously combust from time to time, as one did Wednesday night on Delta flight 689, which was waiting to depart from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport to St. Louis.

Firefighters were called, but by the time they arrived the blaze in the e-cigarette toting passenger's backpack had already been put out.

An evacuation was deemed unnecessary, and the flight took off only 20 or so minutes behind schedule.

At this time, e-cigarettes are allowed on planes but only in carry-on luggage.

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