A 25-year-old Australian man is recovering after a robot vacuum cleaner exploded in his kitchen, causing severe burns to 75 percent of his body. The incident occurred on July 2 in Brabham, a northeastern suburb of Perth, Western Australia.
Lachie Perrem was reportedly cooking when the device ignited, leading to an explosion. He was immediately transported to Fiona Stanley Hospital, where he has since undergone multiple surgeries, including wound debridement and skin grafts. While Mr. Perrem has regained consciousness and can communicate, he faces a lengthy rehabilitation period.
Perrem's mother, Fiona Perrem, stated that the vacuum's battery had a leak. The device has been sent to the state's building and energy office for investigation. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services Western Australia noted that lithium-ion batteries, common in robot vacuums, are energy-dense and contain flammable materials. When these batteries fail, they can enter a state of thermal runaway, characterized by violent bursting, hissing, the release of toxic and flammable gases, and intense, self-sustaining fires.
Dr. Adam Best, a CSIRO battery technology expert, explained that any ignition source can trigger an explosion when lithium-ion battery gases are released during thermal runaway. Potential causes for battery failure include charger or electronic faults, physical damage such as drops or punctures, or prolonged heat exposure. In rare instances, manufacturing defects can also be to blame.
The explosion caused extensive damage to the home Perrem shares with his fiancée, Bri Thompson. Photos from the scene show shattered windows, blackened walls, destroyed furniture, and charred floorboards extending from the kitchen into the living area. Thompson described the aftermath as "completely unimaginable."
This incident marks the first reported case involving a robot vacuum cleaner in Australia, though the Department of Fire and Emergency Services Western Australia has recorded four fires involving vacuum cleaners in the past two years.
Experts advise consumers to purchase devices from reputable manufacturers, regularly inspect charging cables for damage, charge devices on non-flammable surfaces, and avoid leaving them plugged in for extended periods. They also warn against charging batteries that are hot, swollen, or misshapen, recommending that damaged batteries be checked by an expert or disposed of safely. Perrem is currently being treated for his injuries, with his family reporting positive progress in his recovery and a GoFundMe page set up to support his medical expenses having raised over $44,000.