A man has caught fire at Melbourne international airport after a lithium power bank in his pocket ignited, leaving him with burns to his leg and fingers.
The man, aged in his 50s, was in the Qantas business lounge on Thursday morning when the overheated power bank burst into flames, filling the exclusive area with smoke and prompting about 150 people to be evacuated.
Staff quickly helped the man into a shower before paramedics arrived to treat his injuries. He was taken to hospital in a stable condition and later released.
A witness reported seeing battery acid flying everywhere, according to the Age newspaper. A Qantas spokesperson mentioned the lounge was cleaned and re-opened two hours later.
Australian film producer Leanne Tonkes was also present in the lounge during the incident and shared an image of the burnt power bank on social media, expressing her hopes for the man's recovery and praising the quick response of staff and bystanders.
Qantas is currently reviewing its policy on passengers carrying lithium batteries, including portable power banks, with expectations of an update soon.
The incident highlights increasing concerns over the safety of power banks, with many airlines urging passengers to keep them nearby during flights and restricting their storage in overhead compartments. Recent fires linked to power banks aboard aircraft have further intensified scrutiny and prompted some airlines to implement bans on their usage.
With growing incidents, it’s crucial for travelers to be aware of the guidelines surrounding the use of lithium batteries, especially when traveling by air.
