Key Facts
• A fire broke out in a Tokyo apartment in Shinagawa, burning a 9th-floor unit.
• The fire lasted approximately 2 hours before being extinguished.
• A 30-year-old male resident suffered severe injuries; 5 others sustained minor injuries.
• A handheld fan is suspected as the cause, potentially due to a lithium-ion battery explosion.
• Dropping the fan can damage its internal lithium-ion battery, increasing fire risks.
• Experiments showed the fan exploding near the chest when worn around the neck.
• Warning signs include: failure to charge, overheating during charging, battery swelling, and sudden power loss.
• NITE (National Institute of Technology and Evaluation) advises avoiding impacts and heat exposure for lithium-ion devices.
Summary
A fire in a Shinagawa apartment in Tokyo has raised concerns about the safety of handheld fans, particularly those using lithium-ion batteries. The fire, which engulfed a 9th-floor unit, left one man severely injured and five others with minor injuries. Investigations suggest the fan may have exploded due to internal battery damage caused by impact. Experts warn of four key signs of potential battery failure: inability to charge, overheating during charging, battery swelling, and unexpected power loss. Users are advised to handle lithium-ion devices with care, avoiding impacts and excessive heat. This incident highlights the importance of vigilance when using rechargeable devices, especially during summer.
