A tragic incident led to a man’s death, caused by a battery pack’s thermal runaway, with overcrowded living conditions adding to the dangers.
A deadly fire in Jurong West in October 2021, which claimed the life of 22-year-old Mr. Chai Chee Fong, was caused by a battery pack that was possibly stored improperly. According to State Coroner Adam Nakhoda’s findings, the fire was likely the result of a “thermal runaway” — uncontrolled overheating of lithium cells in the battery pack. The pack was not on a personal mobility device (PMD) at the time.
The Cause of the Fire
The fire began when the battery pack, stored away from the PMD, overheated. The State Coroner’s investigation found that a mismatch between the battery pack and charger might have caused damage to the lithium cells, leading to thermal runaway. The battery pack was not being charged when the fire occurred, but it was positioned near an air-conditioning unit, where moisture could have compromised the cells. This moisture likely caused internal short-circuiting, contributing to the fire’s ignition.
Details of the Incident
Mr. Chai died from severe burns and smoke inhalation. His roommate, Mr. Voon Ching Sun, was in the same bedroom at the time of the blaze. Although he also suffered severe burns, Mr. Voon managed to escape. The fire caused severe damage to the flat, which was overcrowded with 12 sub-tenants, exceeding the registered capacity of six.
Most residents were able to escape, but two men trapped in another room had to climb out of a window. SCDF officers later rescued them.
Safety Recommendations
The State Coroner highlighted the importance of properly storing battery packs and following manufacturer guidelines for PMDs. Mismanagement of storage, particularly in humid or damp conditions, can lead to dangerous overheating and fires, posing risks to residents.
The tragedy underscores the need for caution when handling lithium battery packs and other electronics, urging the public to be mindful of storage practices to prevent further accidents.
