Shenzhen Taxi Power Bank Catches Fire; Driver's Quick Thinking Prevents Disaster
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
On the morning of July 27, 2025, a power bank—commonly referred to by its Cantonese nickname "pee bag" (尿袋)—unexpectedly caught fire inside a taxi traveling through Shenzhen's Futian district . The male passenger sitting in the front passenger seat had the device tucked in his pants pocket when it suddenly emitted smoke and erupted in flames, catching the man completely off guard . In a moment of panic, the passenger flung the burning power bank directly at the driver .
Key Points
- Incident occurred at approximately 9:00am on July 27, 2025, in a taxi operating within Futian, Shenzhen
- The taxi's dashboard camera captured the terrifying moment when the power bank spontaneously ignited and burst into flames
- The driver demonstrated exemplary composure by first securing the vehicle, then quickly unbuckling his seatbelt to avoid the flames
- After relocating the burning device from the seat, the driver retrieved a dry powder extinguisher from the trunk and successfully extinguished all flames within seconds
- The fire resulted in no injuries; only the taxi seat suffered minor damage
- Shenzhen fire authorities warned against throwing burning lithium batteries at others, as this can cause severe burns or traffic accidents
- Authorities also cautioned against using water on lithium battery fires, as water can trigger chemical reactions producing hydrogen gas and worsen explosions
- According to the State Administration for Market Regulation, approximately 1.3977 million power banks were recalled nationwide in 2025 for safety hazards, including 490,000 units from brand Romoss
Why It Matters
This incident underscores the potential dangers of improperly maintained or substandard power banks, which have become ubiquitous accessories for smartphone-dependent commuters . With Hong Kong residents frequently crossing the border to Shenzhen and relying on taxis during their visits, similar portable charging devices are prevalent in the SAR, making safety awareness critically important for local consumers .
This incident underscores the potential dangers of improperly maintained or substandard power banks, which have become ubiquitous accessories for smartphone-dependent commuters . With Hong Kong residents frequently crossing the border to Shenzhen and relying on taxis during their visits, similar portable charging devices are prevalent in the SAR, making safety awareness critically important for local consumers .