Backpacks Burst Into Flames On Flight Out Of JFK

NEW YORK CITY, NY — A former "American Idol" contestant said he had one of the scariest moments of his life Monday when his backpack burst into flames just before takeoff on his flight from New York City back home to South Florida.

Jimmy Levi, who is known for appearing on season 18 of the show, had fallen asleep while waiting for his delayed JetBlue flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to take off when the drama began to unfold, he told 7News Miami in an interview.

In a tweet shared alongside a video of the incident Monday evening, Levi said that he was "jolted awake by a sudden and terrifying wave of heat seemingly shooting towards [his] face."

It was then that Levi said he noticed his backpack, which was initially tucked underneath his seat, "in an exploding and floating ball of fire."

"Acting quickly, I pushed it to the ground and began stomping on it frantically to prevent the blaze from spreading," Levi said.

Video shared alongside Levi's tweet shows flight staff helping to contain the fire by pouring bottles of water over the flames. Thanks to the team effort, the fire was contained, according to Levi.

Police believe that the fire started in an overheated portable charger, Levi said.

"Please be mindful of where you get your phone products from," he wrote. "In my case, my charger came from a fancy mall in Boca, Florida, but I guess you can’t trust anything these days."

Levi added that he only had a few burns on his hands and that everyone else on the flight was safe.

"I’m grateful that we were still on the ground when it occurred," Levi said. "This will only make my faith stronger."