On Jan. 5, a commuter on Shanghai Metro Line 15 was engulfed in flames after a power bank carried in his jacket pocket exploded at Shanghai West Railway Station, according to video and reports from the Associated Press, news.com.au and City News Service.
Footage shared by the Associated Press shows sparks erupting from the man’s pocket and smoke quickly filling the carriage. The passenger, visibly stunned, ran down an escalator with his jacket alight while fellow travellers scrambled to get out of the way.
Viral PressThe Shanghai West Railway Station in China after the fire was put out on Monday, Jan. 5
Station staff and a platform worker intervened and used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. After the blaze was extinguished, the man was filmed holding his jacket away from his body. Authorities later said there were no serious injuries.
What Officials Found
Investigators reported that the power bank had been purchased the previous month and bore China’s mandatory 3C safety certification. Officials said the device was not in use at the time it ignited and that the cause remains under review.
Viral PressThe man engulfed in flames inside the Shanghai West Railway Station in China on Monday, Jan.5
Fire safety experts told reporters that power banks can ignite even when idle due to internal short circuits, manufacturing defects, or wear and tear accumulated over time. Authorities are examining the unit and surrounding circumstances to determine the exact trigger.
'We were stunned to see the man running away with flames on his jacket. People started screaming, and we immediately alerted station staff,' a witness said. 'Everyone moved back while he ran towards the escalator. Thankfully, he was safe, and the fire was put out quickly.'
PEOPLE reached out to the Shanghai Municipal Police for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Local media and authorities continue to review the device and the sequence of events.
Safety Reminder
Experts recommend carrying portable batteries in protective cases, avoiding loose storage in clothing pockets, and replacing damaged or heavily worn power banks. Even certified devices can fail, so exercising caution and following manufacturer guidance helps reduce risk.
