A routine morning at Melbourne International Airport turned into a frightening safety incident when a lithium-ion power bank exploded in a passenger’s pocket inside the Qantas Business Lounge, igniting his clothing and prompting the evacuation of about 150 travellers. The shocking event has renewed calls for public awareness of the hidden dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries in everyday devices.
The incident occurred on November 6, 2025, when the unidentified man was seated in the lounge awaiting his flight. According to multiple eyewitness accounts, the power bank, a portable battery used to charge mobile devices, suddenly overheated and ignited without warning, producing smoke, flames, and sparks. Airport staff and other travellers rushed to help, smothering the fire and moving the injured man to safety. He suffered burns to his leg and fingers before being treated by paramedics.
The sudden blast and resulting fire forced Qantas Lounge officials to evacuate passengers as a precaution, temporarily closing the facility while safety teams dealt with the aftermath. The lounge was later cleaned and reopened after safety checks, airline representatives said.
Lithium-ion batteries, the power source inside devices like smartphones, laptops, e-scooters, and power banks, are known for their high energy density and reliability. But experts warn that when they malfunction, their failures can be violent and dangerous. A process known as thermal runaway can occur when the battery overheats due to internal defects, damage, overcharging, or poor manufacturing, causing a rapid temperature rise and spontaneous ignition.
Industry safety analysts note that such batteries can burn fiercely and produce toxic smoke, making fires difficult to contain, especially in confined public areas such as airport lounges or aircraft cabins. This incident comes as airlines around the world, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, and others, implement stricter policies restricting the use and storage of power banks and spare lithium batteries during flights to reduce fire hazards.
Safety authorities advise the public to follow a few key precautions to reduce risk:
- Avoid using or charging cheap or counterfeit power banks with poor safety features.
- Inspect batteries for swelling, damage, or signs of overheating before use.
- Keep spare batteries in protective cases and never leave them in checked baggage on flights.
- Store batteries in easily reachable places so that overheating can be noticed early.
A Warning IgnoredÂ
As technology increasingly relies on portable power, incidents like the Melbourne explosion serve as an urgent reminder: everyday devices can pose serious safety hazards if their lithium-ion batteries fail. Awareness and proper handling aren’t just smart, they’re essential.
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