SI RACHA — A woman was injured after a power bank connected to her mobile phone exploded while she was carrying it in her bag, rescue officials said.
The incident occurred at about 7 pm on Jan. 3 at the Sahapat Airport area in Moo 5, Bueng subdistrict, in Si Racha district of Chonburi province. The Sawang Prateep Si Racha Rescue Radio Centre said it received reports from the public that a woman had been injured and required assistance.
Rescue workers arrived at the scene and found the woman suffering burn injuries. She was given first aid before being taken to Phyathai Hospital for further treatment.
Officials said an initial inspection found that the power bank exploded while it was charging the phone inside her bag. The phone was not damaged, but the explosion caused flames that spread to her bag, clothing and personal documents. The woman sustained burns to her arms and face.
A witness, Suphang Kaewwan, 33, a market vendor, said the woman ran to seek help near the market entrance while her clothes were on fire. The clothing, made of knitted fabric, caught fire quickly. People nearby used water to extinguish the flames before emergency workers arrived.
Another witness, Kritsaphon Wisetnakorn, 46, a drink seller, said he also helped pour water on the woman after seeing her clothes on fire. He said the blaze was caused by the power bank.
Witnesses urged the public to use power banks that meet safety standards and to avoid low-quality or cheap products, warning that such accidents can happen without notice.