Fire in the lounge: Power bank 'exploded' in the passenger’s pocket at Melbourne airport
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A man suffered minor burns after a power bank exploded in his pocket at Melbourne International Airport’s Qantas business lounge, raising fresh concerns about lithium-ion battery safety in public spaces.
The incident occurred on Thursday, November 7, 2025, and was confirmed by airport officials to NBC News. Witnesses described a sudden flash and smoke as the man’s clothing caught fire, prompting immediate response from nearby staff and passengers.
Lithium-Ion Battery Risks in Transit
Power banks, which use lithium-ion cells, are known to pose fire risks if damaged, overheated, or poorly manufactured. The explosion reportedly occurred while the man was seated, with no external impact or charging activity involved—suggesting a spontaneous thermal runaway event.
According to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), lithium-ion battery incidents have increased in recent years, particularly in aviation settings. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) mandates that spare batteries must be carried in cabin baggage and protected from short circuits, but incidents like this highlight the limitations of current safeguards.
Rapid Response and Containment
Staff at the Qantas lounge acted quickly, using fire extinguishers and first aid kits to contain the flames and assist the injured man. He was treated for minor burns and did not require hospitalization. The lounge was briefly evacuated, and operations resumed after safety checks.
Experts recommend:
- Avoiding cheap or unbranded power banks
- Inspecting devices for swelling or damage
- Keeping batteries cool and dry
- Using fire-resistant battery bags when traveling
Illustration Credit:
Illustration executed by MS CoPilot, from a prompt by Bjorn Ulfsson, CTIF.
Sources:
https://internationalfireandsafetyjournal.com/power-bank-qantas-fire/