A terrifying incident on the Shanghai subway system left commuters in shock Monday, after a man’s power bank exploded in his pocket, setting him ablaze during rush hour.
The fire broke out on January 5 at Shanghai West Railway Station, where the man was traveling on Metro Line 15. According to dramatic footage circulated by the Associated Press and other outlets, the power bank suddenly ignited inside his jacket pocket, sending sparks flying and smoke billowing into the crowded station.
In the video, the man can be seen running down an escalator with his jacket on fire while commuters scramble to get out of the way.
City News Service reported that a station worker quickly responded with a fire extinguisher, dousing the flames. The man appeared conscious afterward and was seen pulling his scorched jacket away from his body. Authorities confirmed that no serious injuries were reported.
“We were stunned to see the man running away with flames on his jacket. People started screaming, and we immediately alerted station staff,” one witness told reporters.
Investigation Underway
Following an initial investigation, officials said the power bank had been purchased only a month prior and reportedly bore China’s mandatory 3C safety certification. Notably, the device was not being used or actively charging at the time of the explosion.
Fire officials noted that fires involving power banks can still occur even when they are idle, due to internal short circuits, accumulated wear, or manufacturing defects.
Safety Concerns Around Portable Electronics
The incident has reignited public concerns around the safety of portable chargers, particularly in densely packed public transit systems. Authorities are encouraging commuters to be cautious about carrying such devices close to the body and to inspect them regularly for signs of damage.
The Shanghai Municipal Police have not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.
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