A man burst into flames inside Melbourne Airport’s Qantas business lounge after a lithium power bank in his pocket exploded.
The man, believed to be in his 50s, suffered burns to his leg and fingers.
Witnesses say the sleek, quiet lounge suddenly filled with smoke and panic as about 150 people were evacuated.
“Battery acid was flying everywhere,” one onlooker told The Age.
Quick-thinking staff rushed the man into a shower before paramedics arrived.
He was treated and later released from the hospital in stable condition.
Airlines Reassess Battery Safety
Australian film producer Leanne Tonkes, who was in the lounge, shared a photo of the charred device on Instagram.
“Hoping the man is okay,” she wrote, praising staff for their swift response.
Qantas has since begun reviewing its policy on carrying lithium batteries — a growing concern for airlines worldwide.
Power banks have sparked multiple in-flight fires, including a Virgin Australia flight in July.
A South Korean plane fire in January also destroyed the aircraft.
Experts say the takeaway is simple: keep your power bank close — and never stash it overhead.
After all, when it comes to lithium batteries, one spark is all it takes to set the skies ablaze.
