Power Bank Ignites, Man Injured at Melbourne Airport Business Lounge

A man suffered injuries after a lithium power bank ignited in his pocket while he was in a business lounge at Melbourne Airport. The incident occurred on a Thursday morning, resulting in burns to his leg and fingers. The man, who is in his 50s, was quickly assisted by lounge staff and fellow patrons.

Incident Overview

The power bank burst into flames in the Qantas business lounge, leading to an evacuation of approximately 150 individuals. Staff promptly helped the injured man into a shower to extinguish the flames before paramedics arrived. He was later transported to a nearby hospital and treated for his injuries.

Witness Accounts

A witness described the chaotic scene, noting, “battery acid flying everywhere.” Australian film producer Leanne Tonkes, present during the event, shared photos of the damaged power bank on Instagram, expressing her hope that the injured man was okay. She praised the quick response of bystanders and staff in handling the situation.

Qantas Response

In the aftermath of the incident, a Qantas spokesperson confirmed that the lounge was thoroughly cleaned and reopened within two hours. As a precaution, Qantas is now reviewing its policies regarding the transport of lithium batteries, including portable power banks.

Safety Recommendations

In light of this incident, many airlines have reinforced safety guidelines concerning power banks. Here are some key recommendations:

• Passengers should keep power banks within reach, such as in seat pockets or under-seat bags.
• Avoid storing power banks in overhead compartments.
• Some airlines limit the number of allowed batteries based on their energy capacity.

Related Incidents

This incident at Melbourne Airport is not isolated. In July, a fire caused by a power bank occurred on a Virgin Australia flight, leading to potential policy changes for that airline as well. Additionally, a fire linked to a power bank destroyed a passenger plane in South Korea earlier this year.

Airline Policies on Lithium Batteries

Several international airlines have enacted strict rules regarding the use of power banks. Notably, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Korean Air, and Singapore Airlines have prohibited charging these devices during flights.

As more incidents arise, the importance of understanding the policies around lithium batteries becomes increasingly crucial for passenger safety.