A power bank burst into flames and exploded after passing through an X-ray scanner at Roxas Airport on Tuesday morning, prompting swift action from airport personnel but causing no injuries.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the incident happened around 6:36 AM at the final security checkpoint. A 72,000 mAh power bank—well above the allowed 16-watt-hour capacity for air travel—was detected inside the luggage of a female passenger bound for Manila.
CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said the passenger initially insisted the device had been permitted on her earlier flight from Manila. She later agreed to hand the item over to a companion waiting outside the terminal.
However, as coordination was underway, the power bank suddenly sparked and caught fire on the inspection table after being scanned. An airport security guard quickly deployed a fire extinguisher to contain the flames, but the device still exploded shortly after.
“No one was injured, and there was no damage to nearby equipment,” Apolonio confirmed.
Authorities are reminding passengers to strictly follow battery regulations when flying to prevent similar incidents.
