Originally Posted by vs69
Maybe the crew elected to evac because maybe despite discharging both bottles there was still a fire/smoke warning?
Let's set this straight - The warning is
[AFT CARGO SMOKE] and not a fire warning. Engines have fire warning systems with firewires that act as heat sensors. Arcraft holds are completely different in having smoke detectors similar in principle to your domestic smoke detector, although a little more sophisticated.
And there lies the first clue... You have flooded the confined space of the hold where the suspected fire lies with BCF.... yet the
SMOKE (not fire or heat) warning persists Aside from that warning there is a complete absence of other information that suggests immediate danger to the passengers.
It is very well known that other things set off
SMOKE alarms - dry ice vapourising, over ripe fruit. Although it is sensible to get back on the ground ASAP it requires a rather more enquiring mind before sending everyone down the chutes where injuries are 100% guaranteed.
I think Virgin are going to have a few lawyers knocking on their door shortly seeking compensation for those injured in a premature evacuation.