Shanghai subway power bank explosion, man escapes as coat ignites

Commuters at a Shanghai subway station were seen scrambling as a man descended an escalator in flames.

A man has escaped unharmed after his portable power bank exploded in his coat pocket in a Chinese subway station.

Dramatic viral footage showed the panicked commuter engulfed in flames as he descended an escalator at Shanghai West Railway Station, according to the US Sun.

Shocked commuters were seen scrambling as the man ran through the station which quickly filled with black smoke.

News.com.au reported witnesses saw sparks flaring from the man’s blazer before it caught fire.

“We were stunned to see the man running away with flames on his jacket,” one witness told local media.

“People started screaming, and we immediately alerted station staff.

“Thankfully, he was safe, and the fire was put out quickly.”

Authorities said there were no injuries resulting from the fire which was put out by station staff using a fire extinguisher, People said.

Initial investigations found the power bank, which the man purchased last month, was not being used when it exploded.

The power pack was also compliant with China’s mandatory 3C safety certification, the Associated Press reported.

Chinese fire officials said power banks can still ignite even when not in use due to internal short-circuiting or manufacturing defects.

Dramatic footage showed a man on fire in an underground train station after a power bank exploded in his jacket side pocket.

In 2024, a power bank exploded at an Auckland business damaging a desk, burning carpet and singeing a woman’s hair.

The device had been recalled by Australian manufacturer Cygnett, which said it was “deeply concerned” by the incident.

The recall notice warned users they were at risk of serious burn injuries due to the power banks overheating and catching fire.

Last month, Air New Zealand announced travellers would be limited to carrying no more than two power banks on board flights and would be banned from using them during taxi, take-off or landing.

Chief risk and safety officer Nathan McGraw said the rules had been updated to “keep everybody on board safe”.

Portable power banks are already banned from checked baggage.

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