A routine day at Melbourne Airport turned into a scene of chaos and panic when a seemingly innocent power bank exploded without warning, leaving a passenger with serious burns and forcing the evacuation of a busy terminal.
Terrifying Airport Ordeal
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon as travellers went about their business in the bustling domestic terminal. Witnesses described hearing a loud "pop" followed by intense flames as the portable charger belonging to a male passenger suddenly ignited.
"It was absolutely terrifying," one eyewitness recounted. "One moment people were charging their phones, the next there were flames and smoke everywhere. People started screaming and running."
Emergency Response and Evacuation
Airport staff and emergency services responded immediately to the dangerous situation. The affected passenger, who suffered significant burns from the exploding device, received urgent medical attention at the scene before being transported to hospital for treatment.
The terminal was promptly evacuated as smoke filled the area, causing significant disruptions to travel schedules. Dozens of flights were affected as security teams worked to secure the area and assess the damage.
Growing Safety Concerns Over Lithium Batteries
This alarming incident highlights the increasing safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries in portable electronic devices. Aviation experts have long warned about the risks posed by these power sources, particularly when damaged, overheated, or of poor quality.
"Lithium batteries can be extremely volatile when they fail," explained a aviation safety consultant. "The chemical reaction inside can lead to thermal runaway, causing fires that are difficult to extinguish and can reach extremely high temperatures."
Essential Travel Safety Tips
In light of this incident, travellers are reminded to:
- Only use certified, high-quality power banks from reputable manufacturers
- Avoid charging devices unattended, especially in public spaces
- Never use damaged or swollen batteries
- Keep power banks in carry-on luggage as required by aviation regulations
- Be aware of signs of battery failure, including overheating or unusual odors
Melbourne Airport authorities have reiterated their commitment to passenger safety while reminding travellers that such incidents, while rare, underscore the importance of vigilance when travelling with electronic devices.
The investigation into the exact cause of the explosion continues, with safety experts examining the damaged device to determine what triggered the catastrophic failure.
