Man Injured After Power Bank Ignites at Melbourne Airport

Man Injured After Power Bank Ignites at Melbourne Airport

By Paul V. Young – TheNationWeek.Com | November 7, 2025

MELBOURNE, Australia – A man suffered burns to his leg and fingers when a lithium power bank spontaneously combusted in his pocket at the Qantas business lounge at Melbourne International Airport, raising fresh concerns about the safety of the ubiquitous device and prompting airlines to reassess their carriage policies.

The incident occurred Thursday morning, November 6, and forced the evacuation of about 150 people as smoke filled the lounge.

The incident highlights the potential dangers of lithium-ion batteries, a technology widely used in power banks, smartphones, and other portable electronics.

Airport staff quickly responded, directing the injured man to a shower to flush away any battery acid before paramedics arrived.

He was later released from the hospital in stable condition.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene with “battery acid flying everywhere.”

“It was quite alarming,” said Australian film producer Leanne Tonkes, who witnessed the event.

Tonkes shared an image of the charred remains of the power bank on social media, praising the swift actions of those who assisted the injured man.

The incident has spurred Qantas to re-evaluate its regulations regarding the transport of lithium batteries, including portable power banks.

An update on the airline’s policy is expected shortly.

Many airlines have already advised passengers to keep power banks readily accessible during flights, either in seat pockets or under the seat, rather than stowed in overhead compartments.

The incident follows a similar event in July on a Virgin Australia flight, where a power bank stored in an overhead locker ignited.

Virgin Australia is also reviewing its policies, urging customers to keep power banks “in sight and within easy reach.”

Earlier this year, a portable power bank fire destroyed a passenger aircraft in South Korea, leading several international airlines, including Emirates and Cathay Pacific, to ban the use and charging of power banks during flights.

Restrictions are also in place on the number of rechargeable batteries passengers can carry, based on their capacity, with some airlines limiting passengers to two power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh.

The Melbourne incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and underscores the importance of adhering to airline safety guidelines when traveling with these devices.

The ongoing policy reviews by Qantas and other airlines are expected to further refine safety protocols and ensure the well-being of passengers.