UK passenger detained over small blast at Istanbul airport

ISTANBUL – Turkish media say authorities have detained a British citizen who caused a small explosion at Istanbul’s main airport by slamming his power bank on the ground.

The Dogan news agency says the passenger got into an argument with security officials at Ataturk International Airport’s departures terminal after they refused to allow him to board a London-bound plane carrying the device.

The report said authorities detained the passenger after the explosion caused a small panic.

A Turkish Airlines official confirmed that there was an explosion caused by a power bank — a type of battery for recharging electronic devices. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government rules, said the explosion caused no injury or damage.