Lachie Perrem, a 25-year-old tradesman, is undergoing a challenging rehabilitation process after a robot vacuum cleaner exploded and caught fire inside his home in Perth, Australia, on July 2. Mr. Perrem sustained burns to 75 percent of his body and was rushed to Fiona Stanley Hospital, where he has since undergone multiple surgeries.
He has awakened from a medically induced coma and is able to communicate, but his recovery is expected to be lengthy. His mother, Fiona Perrem, reported that his fingers are showing signs of recovery, and he is now able to walk more easily. He is actively participating in daily physiotherapy sessions, including those in the hospital gym. To support his recovery and eliminate the need for a feeding tube, Mr. Perrem must consume at least 5,000 calories daily, a significant undertaking he is determined to meet.
Family members believe a leaking battery in the robot vacuum may have been the cause. The device ignited while Mr. Perrem was cooking, leading to the explosion. The vacuum cleaner has been sent to the state’s building and energy office for further investigation.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services Western Australia stated that lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in robot vacuum cleaners, are hazardous due to their flammable materials. When these batteries fail, they can enter a state of thermal runaway, potentially causing violent bursts, the release of toxic gases, and intense fires. This process can occur rapidly and be extremely dangerous, producing toxic smoke, flames, and exploding battery fragments.
While battery fires, particularly involving e-scooters and e-bikes, have become more common, this is reportedly the first incident involving a robot vacuum cleaner. The department advised consumers to purchase devices from reputable manufacturers and suppliers to mitigate risks.
Dr. Adam Best, a CSIRO battery technology expert, explained that an ignition source can trigger an explosion when lithium-ion batteries experience thermal runaway. Factors contributing to battery failure include charger or electronic faults, physical damage, or prolonged heat exposure. In rare instances, manufacturing defects can also be a cause. Dr. Best recommended consumers regularly inspect charging cables for damage, charge devices on non-flammable surfaces, and avoid leaving them plugged in for extended periods. He also cautioned against charging batteries or devices that are hot, swollen, or misshapen.
Mr. Perrem's previous surgeries involved the removal of dead tissue and skin grafts to his fingers, left elbow, and torso. He also temporarily lost his voice. A GoFundMe campaign established to support his recovery has raised over $45,900 toward its $55,000 target.
The explosion caused significant damage to the home Mr. Perrem shares with his fiancée, Bri Thompson, leaving it uninhabitable. Photos from the scene show blown-out windows, blackened walls, destroyed furniture, charred floorboards, and scattered debris.
Before the incident, Mr. Perrem was involved in charity work, running The Tradie Vault, an organization focused on supporting men's mental health and building community support. His fiancée described the aftermath as "completely unimaginable" and "incredibly intense and overwhelming."