ROXAS City – A high-capacity power bank caught fire and exploded at the Initial Security Screening Checkpoint (ISSCP) of Roxas Airport on Tuesday morning, June 24, prompting a swift emergency response but causing no injuries or significant damage.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), in an official statement, confirmed the incident and emphasized the importance of adhering to air travel safety regulations, particularly those involving lithium-ion powered devices.
According to CAAP, airport personnel detected a 72,000 milliampere-hour (mAh) power bank inside the baggage of a female passenger bound for Manila at around 6:36 a.m. The device significantly exceeded the 160 watt-hour limit allowed for power banks on board an aircraft.
The passenger initially claimed the same power bank had been permitted on her inbound flight from Manila but later agreed to hand it over to a companion waiting outside the terminal.
However, while arrangements were being made, the power bank suddenly sparked and ignited on the inspection table. An airport security guard immediately discharged a fire extinguisher to put out the flames.
“Despite the intervention, the power bank exploded shortly thereafter,” CAAP reported. “Fortunately, the incident resulted in no injuries or significant damage.”
CAAP commended the “swift and effective response” of both the airport security team and personnel from the Office for Transportation Security (OTS).
“This incident underscores the importance of strict compliance with aviation safety regulations, particularly regarding lithium-ion powered devices such as power banks,” the agency stated.
CAAP also reminded the public that, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Transportation, travelers are urged to familiarize themselves with safety guidelines before flying to ensure a secure travel environment./PN
