Power Bank Bursts Into Flames Inside Man’s Pocket At Airport Lounge: Here's Why Lithium Batteries Are Becoming Major Aviation Safety Threat

A 50-year-old man suffered serious burns after a lithium-ion power bank exploded in his pocket at Melbourne International Airport's Qantas Business Lounge on Thursday morning, causing panic and the evacuation of more than 150 passengers.

The incident occurred around 11 a.m. local time, during which the power bank began to overheat and suddenly burst into flames. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as smoke flooded the lounge and passengers screamed for help. The clothing on the man caught fire, and he was quickly ushered into a shower by staff to douse the flames.

According to The Age, onlookers said there was “battery acid flying everywhere” when the small device ignited. Firefighters and paramedics arrived at the scene shortly thereafter, where they treated the victim for burns to his leg and fingers before transporting him to The Alfred Hospital. He was later discharged in stable condition.

Lounge Evacuated Amid Smoke And Panic

The explosion also resulted in thick smoke inside the Qantas-run lounge, for which staff had to evacuate all passengers immediately. Airport emergency teams arrived within minutes and ensured the area was safe. Two hours later, the lounge reopened after thorough cleaning and a check.

Australian film producer Leanne Tonkes, who was inside the lounge at the time, shared an image of the burnt power bank on Instagram. She added praise for how the airline staff handled the situation, saying: "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 a statement, Qantas confirmed the incident and said it is reviewing its policies related to lithium-powered devices. “There was an incident at the Qantas International Business Lounge at Melbourne Airport this morning involving a customer’s power bank,” the spokesperson said. “The lounge was evacuated as a precaution and emergency services treated the customer on site.” Qantas said the safety of its customers and staff remains its top priority and added that it is working with aviation regulators to review existing guidelines for portable batteries.

Why Lithium Batteries Are Dangerous At Airports

Lithium-ion batteries are behind practically all electronic devices; when damaged, overcharged, or exposed to heat, they become highly volatile. In areas with high traffic, such as airports, even a minor short circuit or defect in manufacturing is able to trigger a runaway, intensive chemical reaction that causes overheating, ignition, and even explosion of the battery. Due to their compact form, these batteries store large amounts of energy that could release toxic smoke and flames within seconds, therefore presenting a serious fire hazard in enclosed or crowded areas, including airport lounges, cabins, and terminals.

Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority has recorded a sharp rise in lithium battery-related incidents, noting a 92 per cent increase over the past year. Commonly used in power banks, laptops, and mobile phones, these batteries can pose serious fire risks when damaged or not stored properly.

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Several international airlines have already banned the use and charging of power banks during flights, including Emirates, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines. Virgin Australia revised its safety procedures recently after a similar fire erupted on board a domestic flight.

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As investigations continue, Qantas is expected to tighten its rules on carrying and using rechargeable devices, reinforcing growing global concern over the safety of lithium batteries in aviation.