25th August 2026 – (Shenzhen) An incident in Shenzhen has highlighted the potential danger posed by portable powerbanks, commonly known as “urine bags” in the region. According to the latest report from the city’s fire department, a taxi travelling through Futian district was the scene of a dramatic accident when a male passenger’s powerbank, carried in his trouser pocket, suddenly overheated, emitted smoke, and then burst into flames. In his panic, the passenger threw the burning device towards the driver. Fortunately, the driver’s quick reflexes prevented greater disaster, as he managed to remain calm and swiftly extinguish the flames, successfully averting a major catastrophe inside the vehicle.
The episode was captured by the taxi’s dashboard camera at around 9.00am on 27th July, showing the vehicle in motion when the powerbank spontaneously ignited in the front passenger seat. Shouting out in pain and panic, the passenger flung the blazing battery from his pocket, which landed directly on the driver. The driver responded with commendable composure by steadying the car, undoing his seatbelt to move away from the burning object, and then retrieving a dry powder extinguisher from the boot. Within seconds, he managed to put out the fire, and no injuries were reported, although the taxi’s seat sustained minor damage.
In response to the event, Shenzhen fire authorities issued an urgent safety warning. They emphasised two critical points: burning lithium batteries should never be thrown at another person or at the driver, as this may cause burns or distract the driver, greatly increasing the risk of an accident. Additionally, water must not be poured directly onto a burning lithium battery, since doing so can trigger chemical reactions and potentially produce flammable hydrogen gas, escalating the explosion risk. The proper course of action is to distance the device from flammable objects and use a suitable fire extinguisher.
Concerns regarding the safety standards of portable powerbanks have risen across the country, with the National Market Supervision Administration reporting that in 2025 alone, nearly 1.4 million units were recalled nationwide due to safety issues. Authorities have advised consumers to only purchase powerbanks certified to current standards and to cease use immediately if any swelling or unusual heat is detected.