Power bank fire on Yamanote Line caused by recalled product
A power bank battery charger that caught fire aboard a JR Yamanote Line train over the weekend has been confirmed as part of a previously recalled product line, according to Tokyo police.
The Consumer Affairs Agency is urging the public to stop using the portable charging device immediately due to continued fire risks.
According to police, the incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. on July 20, between Shinjuku and Shin-Okubo stations.
A passenger in her 30s was charging her smartphone when her battery pack began overheating. Although she unplugged the device, it caught fire 30 seconds later.
Five people, including the woman, sustained minor injuries.
The power bank was identified as the cheero Flat 10000mAh, a model that was recalled in June 2023.
The product was imported from China by an Osaka-based company and was sold between December 2019 and August 2021, with approximately 39,300 units shipped.
According to the agency, the battery charger has been linked to 16 fire incidents since fiscal 2021 due to overheating after charging. Despite the recall, some units remain in use by the public.
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