During a flight from Shanghai to Singapore, a Chinese passenger suddenly remembered that he had left his gas stove on at home. - Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock
BEIJING: A Chinese man who forgot to turn off the gas stove at home only remembered it while he was on a flight, but fortunately, the flight crew acted swiftly to avert a potential disaster.
The passenger, identified as Wang, on a Spring Airlines flight from Shanghai to Singapore urgently sought assistance from the crew members mid-air, as reported by the Shanghai media outlet Xinmin Evening News recently.
Wang recounted that before leaving home, he had forgotten to turn off the stove. By the time he recalled his oversight, three hours had passed since his departure, leaving him concerned about the possible repercussions.
Pots boiling dry on a gas stove can lead to gas leaks and fire hazards.
After being informed of the situation, the flight captain took immediate action, noting down Wang’s home address, the contact information of his property management company, and the password for his smart door lock. This information was promptly relayed to the ground crew.
Spring Airlines, a budget carrier based in Shanghai, received widespread acclaim online for the swift response of its staff. - Photo: Shutterstock
A customer service representative named Feng Jun received the message and quickly contacted the property management company. Initially, he was mistaken for a scammer.
Undeterred, Feng called again, clearly explaining the situation with sincerity.
This time, the property management staff took him seriously and dispatched someone to check on Wang’s unit.
Ten minutes later, Feng made another phone call, learning that the staff had successfully turned off the stove before any significant harm occurred.
Upon entering the flat, they found some eggs overcooked, the pot boiling dry, and thick smoke filling the kitchen. The staff member then turned off the gas and opened the windows for ventilation.
The entire rescue mission concluded within 20 minutes.
Feng shared the good news with the flight crew, who then relayed it to Wang.
Wang expressed his gratitude, stating: “Thank you for saving my home.”
Spring Airlines, a budget carrier headquartered in Shanghai, received widespread acclaim online for the quick response of its staff.
Comments poured in, praising the efforts of the airline and the property management team for protecting lives and property in the neighbourhood.
“Thumbs up to the airlines and the property management company’s staff for safeguarding the community. The situation could have had disastrous consequences for others if the stove had been left on,” one commenter noted.
Another joked: “Not only did he forget to turn off the stove, but he also forgot to eat his eggs.” - South China Morning Post
