Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
Melbourne – A 50-year-old man sustained significant burns at Melbourne International Airport after a lithium power bank in his pocket exploded in the Qantas business class lounge on Thursday at approximately 11 a.m. local time. The blast sent smoke throughout the lounge, leading to the swift evacuation of 150 passengers.
Airport personnel responded promptly, assisting the injured man into a shower before paramedics arrived. He was subsequently taken to a local hospital for further medical care. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with one remarking that “battery acid was flying everywhere.”
Leanne Tonkes, a film producer who was at the scene, shared a photograph of the charred power bank on the lounge floor and commended the airport team for their rapid response. She noted on social media, “Quick thinking from the man who jumped in to help and the staff who got him in the shower and everyone else out of the lounge.”
In light of the incident, Australian airline Qantas has announced it will reevaluate its policies regarding lithium battery devices. While power banks are generally allowed on flights, airlines globally are tightening regulations due to safety risks.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority reports that incidents involving lithium batteries have risen by 92 percent in Australia. Following similar concerns, Emirates has prohibited power banks on its flights, while Virgin Australia now mandates that such devices remain within arm’s reach following an earlier in-flight fire incident.
This concerning event underscores the heightened risks posed by lithium battery devices on aircraft and the critical need for more stringent safety protocols. Aviation authorities and airlines are urging passengers to use caution and adhere to specific safety guidelines to prevent additional incidents.
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