From smartphones to electric cars, lithium-ion batteries are everywhere—but they’re not always safe. Here are 10 shocking explosion incidents and what caused them.
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| Lithium-ion battery explosions have caused fires, injuries, and damage. Read about 10 shocking cases that highlight the dangers of these powerful energy sources. Image: ChicHue |
Tech Desk — February 3, 2025:
Lithium-ion batteries have become the power source behind many modern technologies, from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and even medical devices. While they are incredibly efficient and versatile, these batteries are not without their risks. In recent years, there have been numerous incidents of lithium-ion battery explosions, often leading to fires, injuries, and significant property damage. These explosions typically occur when the batteries are damaged, improperly manufactured, overcharged, or exposed to extreme conditions.
In this post, we’ll explore 10 notable incidents of lithium-ion battery explosions that have made headlines in recent years. These events highlight the potential dangers associated with these widely used power sources and serve as a reminder of the importance of proper battery handling, storage, and disposal. By learning from these incidents, we can better understand the risks and take steps to prevent similar accidents in the future.
10 notable incidents of lithium-ion battery explosions
From high-profile smartphone recalls to electric vehicle fires, the history of lithium-ion battery explosions is filled with alarming examples of how things can go wrong. These incidents often raise questions about safety standards, manufacturing processes, and consumer awareness. While technology continues to evolve, these explosions serve as a stark reminder that even the most innovative and essential products come with inherent risks. By examining these explosions in detail, we can gain insight into the causes behind these failures and work toward improving safety measures to protect consumers and prevent future disasters.
1: Lithium Battery Explosion Sparks Fire at Fire Chief’s Home on Vancouver Island
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| Fire trucks parked outside Vancouver Fire Hall No. 8 on Hamilton Street in Vancouver on June 16, 2021. Photo by Mike Bell / PNG. |
On November 30, 2024, at approximately 4 a.m., a lithium battery explosion sparked a fire at the home of Fire Chief Terry Smith in Sidney, Vancouver Island. The explosion occurred in the garage, where a lithium-ion battery, possibly from a power tool or e-bike, malfunctioned and ignited. The fire spread quickly, causing significant damage to the property.
Fortunately, Smith and his family were unharmed in the incident. Firefighters responded promptly, containing the blaze before it could cause further destruction. No injuries were reported, but the explosion underscored the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, which are increasingly found in consumer products.
The cause of the explosion was traced to the faulty lithium battery, raising concerns about safety standards for these devices. As lithium batteries become more common, experts are urging caution and better regulations to prevent similar accidents in the future.
2: E-Scooter Battery Causes Fire in Gold Coast Apartment After Being Stored in Freezer
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| A man narrowly escapes a fire at a Gold Coast unit by climbing down from a balcony. (Supplied) |
On January 28, 2025, at approximately 3 a.m., a fire broke out in an apartment building on the Gold Coast, Queensland, AU. The blaze was traced to an e-scooter battery that had been placed in a freezer by the apartment's resident. The fire spread quickly, causing significant damage to the unit before fire crews were able to contain the flames.
The resident, whose name was not disclosed, had attempted to prevent the battery from overheating by storing it in the freezer. However, experts have warned that such actions are highly dangerous, as freezing lithium-ion batteries can cause them to malfunction and potentially ignite. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the building’s other residents were safely evacuated.
Fire authorities have raised concerns about the growing risks of improperly stored lithium-ion batteries, especially as e-scooters and similar devices become more widespread. They are urging the public to follow proper safety guidelines for battery storage and disposal to prevent similar incidents in the future.
3: Lithium-Ion Battery Explosion Sparks Fire on Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro
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| Crews are closely monitoring a burning big rig carrying lithium-ion batteries on the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro. The fire continues to burn, as using water to extinguish the flames could create environmental hazards. Macy Jenkins reports for NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on September 26, 2024. |
On September 26, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m., a lithium-ion battery explosion occurred on the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro, California. The explosion, caused by a malfunctioning battery-powered device—likely an e-scooter or similar item—ignited a fire that quickly spread to nearby vehicles. The incident led to one car being engulfed in flames, although no injuries were reported.
The explosion drew immediate attention, with firefighters and emergency personnel responding to the scene promptly. The San Pedro Fire Department worked to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to additional vehicles. Fortunately, despite the significant fire, all individuals involved were safely evacuated from the area. The cause was identified as a malfunction of the lithium-ion battery, which is known to pose fire risks when improperly handled or exposed to heat.
This incident underscores the increasing concern over the safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in personal transportation devices. Fire officials have reiterated the importance of proper storage and disposal of these batteries to prevent similar accidents, as the number of battery-related explosions continues to rise nationwide. Authorities are urging the public to follow safety guidelines and exercise caution when using or disposing of lithium-ion battery-powered devices.
4: Deadly Lithium-Ion Battery Explosion Triggers Fire at South Korean Factory, Killing 22
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| Firefighters spent several hours extinguishing the blaze by using dry sand. (Source: Yonhap/ BBC) |
A deadly factory fire broke out on Monday, June 24, 2024, at the Aricell plant in Hwaseong, South Korea, around 9 a.m. local time. The fire was triggered by a series of explosions from lithium-ion battery cells housed in the factory. The explosion’s cause remains unclear, but the incident has resulted in at least 22 fatalities, including 18 Chinese workers, one Laotian, and two South Korean employees. A further eight people were injured, two of them seriously.
The factory, located about 45 kilometers south of Seoul, was a significant producer of lithium batteries, which are used in electric vehicles, laptops, and other electronics. At the time of the explosion, an estimated 35,000 battery cells were stored on the second floor of the facility. The rapid spread of the fire made it difficult for workers to escape, and much of the roof collapsed during the blaze. Firefighters were forced to use dry sand to contain the fire due to the dangerous chemical reactions lithium batteries can have with water.
Firefighters faced further challenges in containing the blaze due to the explosive nature of the materials involved. The intense heat and speed of the fire, combined with the flammability of battery components like nickel, left little time for workers to react. As of now, authorities are still trying to identify the bodies, many of which were badly burned, and there are concerns the fire could reignite due to the ongoing chemical reactions within the batteries.
5: Explosion at Missouri Lithium Battery Recycling Plant: No Injuries Reported
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| No injuries were reported following the explosion at a battery recycling plant in Missouri. Image Courtesy: ABC7Chicago. |
On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, a large explosion occurred at the Critical Mineral Recovery lithium-ion battery recycling plant in Fredericktown, Missouri. The explosion, which followed a fire at the facility, resulted in dramatic video footage capturing thick smoke pouring from the building, followed by multiple blasts. The plant, one of the largest lithium-ion battery processing facilities globally, was reportedly recycling materials from various manufacturers and processors.
The fire and explosions prompted immediate response from the Fredericktown Fire Department, with support from the Bismarck Fire Protection District. Authorities issued evacuation orders for a specific area of Fredericktown, and nearby residents were advised to shelter indoors due to the dense smoke. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but the incident underscores the risks associated with lithium-ion battery recycling plants. The explosion serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols in facilities that handle potentially volatile materials like lithium-ion batteries.
6: Hezbollah Pagers Explode in Lebanon, Killing 20 and Injuring Thousands
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| A radio device that detonated in the city of Baalbek [Suleiman Amhaz/Anadolu/ AJ] |
On September 17-18, 2024, a devastating series of explosions involving Hezbollah's handheld pagers resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people and injuries to over 2,750 individuals across Lebanon. The blasts, which affected several locations including Beirut's suburbs, caused widespread panic, with more than 200 people reported to be in critical condition. Among the victims, Hezbollah confirmed that two of its members were killed, and several others were injured, including in Syria. The explosions were triggered by around 5,000 AR-924 pagers, which are used by Hezbollah for secure communication.
Although initial speculation pointed to a lithium-ion battery malfunction causing the explosions, experts now believe the devices were sabotaged. Investigations suggest that the pagers were modified to include military-grade explosives, such as RDX or PETN, which were activated remotely. The simple design of the pagers made them vulnerable to this kind of modification, turning them into deadly bombs.
The tragic incident has drawn significant international attention, especially given the ongoing tensions in the region. Hezbollah has accused Israel of orchestrating the attack, though there has been no confirmation of Israel's involvement. This event highlights the dangers of technological devices being repurposed as weapons, even devices considered outdated like pagers, and the ongoing threat of sabotage in volatile conflict zones.
7: E-Bike Battery Explosion in China Elevator Leaves One Critically Injured
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| Screenshot from the video (Photo Credit: X/@techstarsrk) / Latestly |
On November 8, 2021, a video went viral showing a dangerous incident that occurred inside an elevator in China when an e-bike battery exploded. The explosion took place in an elevator in an apartment building, causing a massive fireball. One person, who was inside the elevator at the time, sustained critical injuries from the explosion. The fire quickly spread, leaving severe damage to the elevator and surrounding areas. Authorities have confirmed that the individual was rushed to the hospital for treatment but their condition remains critical.
The cause of the explosion has been traced to the malfunctioning lithium-ion battery of the e-bike, which was being transported inside the elevator. Lithium-ion batteries are known to pose significant fire hazards when damaged, overcharged, or exposed to extreme temperatures. In this case, the battery most likely overheated, triggering the explosion. The incident highlights the increasing safety concerns regarding the storage and use of lithium-ion batteries in everyday devices like e-bikes, which are becoming more popular worldwide.
This explosion serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with improperly handled lithium-ion batteries. Fire authorities have issued warnings about the importance of maintaining proper safety practices when charging or storing such batteries. Residents and businesses are urged to take extra precautions, especially when using electric vehicles or equipment powered by lithium-ion batteries.
8: Firefighters Urge Caution After Lithium-Ion Battery Explosion in Colorado Boy’s Pocket
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| Pocket Router Battery 2100mAh, Symbolic Image: Daraz |
On August 14, 2024, a 12-year-old boy in Colorado experienced a dangerous incident when a lithium-ion battery exploded in his pocket. The explosion, which occurred around 4 p.m. local time, was linked to a small battery-powered device the boy had been carrying. Fortunately, he was not seriously injured, but the explosion caused minor burns and left his clothes damaged.
The incident took place in a residential area, and the boy's quick actions helped prevent further harm. Firefighters who responded to the scene emphasized the growing risks of lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in everyday devices like smartphones, e-scooters, and toys. They warned about the importance of properly handling and storing devices with lithium-ion batteries to avoid similar accidents.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the explosion, but experts believe the battery might have been overcharged or damaged. Firefighters have issued a public safety message urging the community to be cautious when using or disposing of lithium-ion batteries, especially after such incidents have increased in recent years.
9: Couple Lose Everything as Exploding Lithium Battery Destroys Flat in London
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| Joanne and her partner Ken have lost everything in the devastating fire, including their home and belongings. The destroyed flat. Photo: The Independent UK |
On the night of October 3, 2024, a tragic explosion in a flat in Barking, London, left a couple with nothing but their lives. Around 1:30 a.m., a lithium-ion battery, which was being used to heat a hot tub on the roof terrace, exploded in the couple's bedroom. Ken, 46, a former store manager, suffered severe burns, including 7% burns to his body and damage to his lungs from inhaling toxic vapors. His partner, Joanne Davis, 45, bravely pulled him from the flames before calling emergency services.
The explosion caused flames to quickly engulf the flat, with sparks shooting out like fireworks. Around 60 firefighters and emergency personnel responded to the scene, managing to evacuate 50 people from the building. Sadly, the fire destroyed everything in the couple's flat, including their possessions and their two beloved cats, Toby and Tilly. Ken was taken to the hospital and remains under care, while Joanne struggles to cope with the loss of their home and pets.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) has confirmed that the explosion was accidental, likely caused by the catastrophic failure of the lithium-ion battery used for the hot tub heating system. The battery, which had been overcharged and was stored in Ken's bedroom, released a significant amount of energy in an uncontrolled way, sparking the fire. Joanne's son, Lewis, has set up a GoFundMe to help the couple rebuild their lives after the devastating event.
Also read: How Electric Vehicle Batteries Work
10: Warning After Tablet Battery Explodes in Car Fire in Mount Maunganui
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| Firefighters confirmed that the car fire was caused by a tablet left in a parked vehicle and exposed to direct sunlight. (Source: FENZ/1News NZ) |
On the morning of early January of 2025, a car fire in Mount Maunganui was sparked by a tablet battery exposed to direct sunlight. The incident occurred when a parked vehicle was left with an iPad on a blanket, which overheated due to the intense sun. The lithium-ion battery inside the device exploded, igniting the blanket and causing a fire inside the car. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) has issued a public warning about the risks associated with improper handling of lithium-ion battery-powered devices.
The explosion highlights the dangers of leaving devices or batteries in direct sunlight, as extreme heat can lead to catastrophic failures of lithium-ion batteries. FENZ emphasized that such devices should never be exposed to high temperatures or moisture. The fire prompted emergency services to attend, although, in this case, they were able to contain the damage without injury. FENZ reiterated the importance of safe storage and usage of electronic devices with lithium-ion batteries, urging people to be mindful of the potential hazards.
In response to the incident, Apple provided safety guidelines, advising users to avoid exposing their devices to temperatures higher than 35°C, as this can lead to permanent battery damage. The company further noted that charging devices in hot environments and using certain types of cases can exacerbate the risk. Apple urges consumers to store devices in optimal conditions to preserve their battery life and ensure safety.
Bonus/11: Seven-Year-Old Girl Injured in Vape Battery Explosion Incident
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| Ruby Grainger (pictured) was walking across a field near her home in Fortunestown, Tallaght, Ireland, on October 5, when an explosion from a nearby fire struck her right eye. Image: Daily Mail |
On October 5, 2024, a seven-year-old girl, Ruby Grainger, sustained severe injuries after an explosion occurred near her home in Fortunestown, Tallaght, Ireland. While walking through a field, Ruby was struck in the right eye by debris from a nearby fire. Her mother, Ciara Grainger, described the frightening moment when Ruby returned home, visibly injured, with blood streaming down her face. The explosion is believed to have been caused by a vape battery involved in the fire.
Ruby was quickly rushed to the hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery, which had only a 50% chance of success, resulted in the loss of her right eye. Ruby now faces emotional and physical challenges as she adjusts to life with a prosthetic eye and prepares to attend a vision-impaired school. Her mother expressed concern for Ruby's well-being, noting that she has been experiencing emotional distress since the incident.
The family also highlighted ongoing safety issues in their neighborhood, citing regular fires in the area, yet little action has been taken despite multiple reports to local authorities. To help cover Ruby's medical expenses and support her recovery, a fundraising page has been set up by her family.
Good News about Battery explosion: NIST Unveils AI Breakthrough to Detect Early Signs of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
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| When a lithium-ion battery overheats or is damaged, it can trigger a chemical reaction known as thermal runaway. This experiment, conducted at Xi'an University of Science and Technology in collaboration with NIST, aimed to capture the sounds emitted by a lithium-ion battery before and during thermal runaway. Credit: Jian Chen/Xi'an University of Science and Technology |
On November 6, 2024, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced a groundbreaking development in fire safety involving lithium-ion batteries. Researchers at NIST have successfully trained artificial intelligence (AI) to detect the early signs of a lithium-ion battery catching fire by "hearing" the subtle sounds emitted by the battery. This AI technology can analyze the noises from a battery’s chemical reactions to identify when it is about to overheat or catch fire, potentially preventing catastrophic fires before they spread.
The team utilized advanced machine learning algorithms to interpret acoustic signals from batteries under stress. These signals are generated as the battery’s internal components react to overheating, which often precedes fires. The research aims to improve safety for lithium-ion battery-powered devices, which are widely used in everything from smartphones to electric vehicles.
This AI breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize fire prevention systems, allowing early warnings for device malfunctions and creating safer environments for consumers and industries. Researchers are hopeful that this innovation will soon be integrated into fire safety technologies to minimize damage and loss of life caused by battery-related fires.
Why Do Lithium-Ion Batteries Explode?
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries power many of the devices we use daily, from smartphones to electric vehicles. While they are highly efficient, these batteries can be dangerous when damaged, overcharged, or manufactured improperly. The primary cause of lithium-ion battery explosions is a phenomenon called thermal runaway, where the battery experiences a rapid increase in temperature, leading to a release of energy that can result in fire or explosion. This can happen due to overheating, puncturing, or exposure to high temperatures. Furthermore, the electrolyte inside the battery is flammable, and if it leaks, it can ignite and cause further damage.
Manufacturing defects also increase the risk of lithium-ion battery failures. Impurities or foreign particles inside the battery can create short circuits, significantly raising the likelihood of thermal runaway. Warning signs that a battery might be failing include overheating, swelling or bulging of the battery, and reduced battery life. If any of these symptoms are present, it is crucial to stop using the device immediately and seek professional assistance.
In the event of a lithium-ion battery explosion, it's essential to act quickly. Evacuate the area to avoid exposure to harmful fumes or flames, call emergency services, and handle the battery with caution, wearing protective gear. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire yourself, as these fires require specialized handling. Always follow safety guidelines when using and disposing of lithium-ion batteries to reduce the risk of accidents.
How to Stay Safe from Lithium-Ion Battery Explosions
Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use daily, from smartphones to electric vehicles. However, improper use can lead to overheating, leakage, or even explosions. To minimize risk, always charge your devices on a flat, hard surface and avoid placing them on soft materials like blankets or couches, which can trap heat.
Avoid overcharging or using cheap, unapproved chargers. Always unplug devices once they are fully charged, and never leave them unattended while charging, especially overnight. Additionally, be cautious when using third-party or damaged batteries, as they are more likely to malfunction.
If a battery becomes hot, swells, or shows signs of leakage, immediately stop using the device and safely dispose of the battery. Keep your devices away from extreme temperatures, as both high heat and cold can cause damage and increase the likelihood of a battery failure. By following these safety tips, you can reduce the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
In conclusion, while lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized the way we use technology, their potential for danger cannot be overlooked. The history of lithium-ion battery explosions highlights the importance of proper manufacturing, usage, and disposal to prevent hazardous incidents. As we continue to rely on these batteries in countless devices, it is essential to remain vigilant about safety standards and adopt best practices for their use and storage. By learning from past incidents and prioritizing consumer education, we can mitigate risks and ensure a safer future for everyone using lithium-ion-powered devices.