Passenger burned as power bank ignites in Melbourne Qantas lounge

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetyIncidentsSafety

Qantas reopens Melbourne lounge after power bank battery fire

Qantas said it temporarily closed its business class lounge at Melbourne airport after a power bank exploded in a passenger’s pocket.

The incident happened on Thursday morning (6 November) in the international terminal, The Guardian reported.

The man’s power bank overheated and ignited, burning his leg and fingers and filling the lounge with smoke.

About 150 people were evacuated as a precaution, Qantas said.

The passenger was treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital for further assessment.

Airline confirms lounge has since reopened

Qantas said it worked with Melbourne airport staff to ventilate and clean the lounge before reopening it.

A company spokesperson said: “We worked with the Melbourne airport to clean the lounge and it has since reopened.”

The company confirmed operations returned to normal after the inspection and cleaning were completed.

Previous lithium-ion battery incidents on flights

The Guardian reported that in July Virgin Australia reviewed its battery policies after a fire broke out on a Sydney to Hobart flight.

That incident was believed to have been caused by a power bank in a passenger’s carry-on bag.

Many airlines, including Qantas, have since tightened restrictions on lithium-ion batteries used in devices such as mobility equipment and portable chargers.

The measures aim to reduce the risk of overheating or combustion during flights.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Incidents involving portable lithium-ion batteries remain a central concern for aviation fire safety specialists, airport facility managers and regulatory authorities.

Thermal runaway in small consumer devices can cause ignition, toxic smoke and localised burns even outside aircraft cabins.

Airport fire and rescue teams continue to adapt procedures for confined-area incidents involving battery fires in lounges and terminals.

Airlines’ evolving restrictions on battery-powered items highlight the growing operational need for consistent risk assessment and public awareness measures.

Such cases reinforce the importance of lithium-ion fire behaviour knowledge among first responders, maintenance personnel and safety officers responsible for airport operations.

Check your charger: Over a million power banks recalled over fire risk

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetySafety

Fires in the US prompt lithium battery power bank recall

More than 1.15 million portable chargers sold in the United States have been recalled following reports of overheating, fires and explosions.

AP News has reported that the recall applies to Anker’s “PowerCore 10000” lithium-ion battery power banks, which were sold between June 2016 and December 2022.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the product’s battery can overheat and cause plastic parts to melt, creating a risk of smoke and fire.

Anker Innovations stated that the recall was being conducted “out of an abundance of caution” to protect customer safety.

The company and the CPSC are urging customers to stop using the product immediately and to dispose of it according to battery-specific guidance.

Reports of fire and injury lead to action

The CPSC reported that Anker had received 19 incident reports involving its PowerCore 10000 model, including fires and explosions.

Of these, two cases resulted in minor burn injuries that did not require medical care.

Eleven incidents involved property damage estimated at over $60,700, according to the CPSC.

Anker Innovations, headquartered in China, manufactured the power banks now included in the recall.

The affected units have the model number A1263, with “Anker” printed on the front and serial information on the bottom.

Power banks sold online for over six years

The recalled units were sold online across major platforms including Anker’s website, Amazon, eBay and Newegg.

Sales spanned from June 2016 through December 2022.

The retail price of the units was approximately $27.

According to Anker, only PowerCore 10000 model A1263 with certain serial numbers are affected.

Consumers are advised to check their unit against the recall database on Anker’s website.

Instructions for replacement and disposal

Consumers who own the recalled device can register for a free replacement by visiting the recall page on Anker’s official website.

To complete the process, they must submit a photo of the power bank that includes the model number, serial number, their name, the date and the word “recalled” written on the device.

A purchase receipt is requested but not required.

Anker also requires confirmation that the power bank will be disposed of in accordance with local battery disposal regulations before issuing a replacement.

Battery disposal warnings issued by safety agencies

The CPSC stated that recalled lithium-ion batteries must not be thrown away in household rubbish or standard recycling bins.

Instead, they should be taken to municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) collection centres.

Consumers are advised to contact their local HHW facility in advance to confirm acceptance of recalled lithium batteries.

If the local centre does not accept such waste, the public is advised to seek further guidance from municipal authorities.

Both the CPSC and Anker emphasised the fire risk associated with improper disposal of lithium batteries.

Anker recalls 1.15 million US power banks due to reported fires: Summary

More than 1.15 million Anker power banks are being recalled in the United States.

The recall applies to the PowerCore 10000 model number A1263.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 19 incidents of fire or explosion.

Two incidents resulted in minor burn injuries.

Eleven reports involved property damage totalling more than $60,700.

The power banks were sold between June 2016 and December 2022.

The devices were sold online by Anker, Amazon, eBay and Newegg.

Consumers are instructed to stop using the power banks immediately.

They can request a replacement by submitting required details via Anker’s website.

Consumers must confirm disposal through proper hazardous waste channels.

Improper disposal may result in fire hazards, according to the CPSC.