Plane passenger ‘set on fire’ as phone bank explodes in his pocket, forcing evacuation of airport lounge
A power‑bank exploded in the Qantas International Business Lounge at Melbourne Airport, setting a 50‑year‑old passenger on fire and forcing the evacuation of about 150 people. The incident happened early Thursday, when the passenger’s jacket caught fire after the battery in his pocket blew up and sprayed acid across the room.
Staff rushed him to a shower where he was treated for burns on his hands and legs. He is now in a nearby hospital, but officials say it is still unclear how severe the injuries are.
The lounge was shut for more than two hours while cleaners removed the charred battery remains and made sure the area was safe for travelers again.
Qantas said it “was an incident at the Qantas International Business Lounge … involving a customer’s powerbank.” Other airlines already have rules against carrying portable chargers on board. Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and a few others ban these lithium‑ion packs, which can ignite if they overheat. The fire in Melbourne adds to a growing list of lithium‑battery incidents that have forced airlines to tighten safety checks—sometimes making emergency landings.
This event highlights the danger of lithium‑ion batteries in closed environments like passenger cabins. Travelers are urged to check their airline’s policy on carrying phone chargers and to keep them well‑sealed when possible. The Melbourne incident underscores the need for stricter controls and quick response teams to handle battery explosions on planes and in airports.
Source: New York Post
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