A 75-year-old woman died in agony from burns when her power bank exploded on her lap, while another burst into flames mid-flight—exposing the deadly flaws in everyday chargers we all rely on.
Story Snapshot
- CPSC reannounced recall of 429,000 Casely Power Banks (model E33A) due to fire hazards after 79 total incidents, including one fatality and an in-flight explosion.
- August 2024: New Jersey woman killed by second- and third-degree burns from exploding charger on her lap.
- February 2026: Airplane fire injured 47-year-old woman with first-degree burns while charging phone.
- Devices sold 2022-2024 for $30-$70; consumers must stop use, get free replacements, dispose via hazardous waste.
Fatal Explosion Claims Innocent Life
In August 2024, a 75-year-old New Jersey woman charged her cellphone with a Casely Power Bank 5000mAh on her lap. The device ignited, exploded, and inflicted second- and third-degree burns over her body. She died from these injuries.
This tragedy predated the initial April 2025 recall by eight months, yet regulators only documented it fully in the 2026 reannouncement. Families now question delayed action on clear dangers.
Initial Recall Fails to Stem Fires
CPSC announced the first recall in April 2025 after 51 reports of overheating, swelling, or fires, including six minor burns. Casely Power Banks featured MagSafe compatibility and were sold on their site, Amazon, and other platforms from March 2022 to September 2024.
Model E33A units bore the brand engraving on the front right and the model on the back. Despite warnings, incidents persisted, forcing escalation.
In-Flight Terror Highlights Aviation Risks
February 2026 brought chaos at 30,000 feet. A 47-year-old woman charged her phone with the power bank on a plane. It exploded, causing first-degree burns.
This joins 446 lithium battery incidents in U.S. airspace since 2006, in which thermal runaway reaches 900°C, fueling unquenchable fires. Airlines now eye tighter carry-on rules as power banks prove mid-air bombs.
Casely offers free replacements; CPSC mandates halting use immediately. Regulators warn against trash disposal—contact hazardous waste centers instead. Total incidents reached 79 by April 2026 reannouncement, with 429,000 units at risk.
Industry Failures Demand Accountability
Lithium-ion batteries in chargers like Casely’s suffer from manufacturing defects and lack proper thermal safeguards. Similar VRURC power bank fires hospitalized flight crews, signaling widespread quality lapses. CPSC wields enforcement power; Casely complies to dodge lawsuits.
Recall reannounced for power banks after charger causes fire on plane, death to 75-year-old woman https://t.co/FYIEC5BmJ0
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) April 20, 2026
Short-term, 429,000 users face burn threats; aviation braces for policy shifts. In the long term, stricter standards loom for battery makers. E-commerce giants like Amazon manage recalls amid eroding trust. Families of victims pursue justice, underscoring why common sense demands vigilance over flashy gadgets.
Sources:
Recall reannounced for power banks after charger causes fire on plane, death to 75-year-old woman
Power bank recalled after fire on passenger plane injures four of the crew
