Commuters Panic as Exploding Power Bank Sparks Fire and Renewed Safety Warnings
TOKYO, Japan — Passengers on a crowded commuter train in Japan were left terrified this week after a lithium-ion power bank exploded, filling a train car with smoke and forcing an emergency stop. Authorities have since confirmed that a faulty battery caused the fire, marking another alarming example of the growing danger associated with lithium-powered devices.
The incident occurred on a busy morning service in Tokyo, when a passenger’s portable charger, also known as a power bank, burst into flames without warning. Witnesses described hearing a loud pop followed by a flash of light and thick, acrid smoke spreading rapidly through the carriage.
“Everyone screamed and started runni