A routine boarding at Stuttgart Airport ended in a horrific incident for British Airways passengers and ground staff when a leak in the hydraulic fluid triggered a smoke alarm.

On the evening of June 8, 2024, British Airways flight BA921 was scheduled to take off from Stuttgart to London Heathrow. However, shortly after the passengers boarded, the aircraft had to be evacuated because the smoke alarm was triggered. Although no passengers were injured, five ground staff members sustained injuries, four of whom had to be taken to hospital.

The incident occurred when ground crew attempted to close one of the cargo doors on the lower deck. During the process, a hydraulic line leak occurred, causing a technical failure in the hydraulic system and triggering the smoke alarm. In accordance with the airline's standard procedures, the aircraft was evacuated and the injured were taken to hospital for further treatment. The local fire and rescue services were quickly on site to provide assistance.

The scheduled flight to London was cancelled and all passengers were rebooked on flights the next day. The aircraft involved, an Airbus A319-100 with the registration G-EUPR, was delivered to British Airways in October 2000, making it almost 24 years old. Following the incident, the aircraft returned to London and has since made several flights.

The incident raises questions about the maintenance and inspection of aircraft at airports, particularly with regard to the safety of ground staff and passengers during boarding. The exact cause of the hydraulic leak and the resulting technical failure remains to be determined in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Overall, the incident highlights the importance of thorough maintenance and regular inspections of aircraft to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and ground staff.