Power bank explodes at security checkpoint in Roxas airport

MANILA — A power bank "caught fire and exploded" at the security screening checkpoint in Roxas Airport in Capiz on Tuesday morning, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) confirmed.

CAAP said an airport personnel detected the 72,000 mAh power bank inside the baggage of a female passenger bound for Manila. The device exceeded the 160-watt-hour allowable capacity for power banks on aircraft.

"The passenger initially claimed that the power bank had been allowed on her inbound flight from Manila, but eventually agreed to turn the item over to a companion outside the terminal," CAAP said in a statement.

"While arrangements were being made, the power bank suddenly sparked and ignited on the inspection table," the aviation agency said, noting that no injuries were reported.

CAAP lauded the swift response of the airport security and the Office for Transportation Security screening personnel.

The incident highlights "the importance of strict compliance with aviation safety regulations, particularly regarding lithium-ion-powered devices such as power banks," it added.