Power bank explosion in SGR fills cabin with thick smoke, causes chaos

Passengers aboard a Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train experienced a moment of panic and confusion after a power bank exploded.

The ensuing melee saw operations briefly disrupted in one of the cabins as thick smoke filled the air.

In a video shared on social media platform X, smoke is seen billowing through the cabin as bewildered passengers walk around in confusion.

“Nini inachomeka?” someone was heard asking in the video. “Ni powerbank,” another responds, pointing to a smoldering device believed to have caused the chaos.

A power bank explodes in SGR, causing panic. pic.twitter.com/nzCG4b4vmH

— BRAVIN YURI (@BravinYuri) May 13, 2025

The incident sparked a wave of reactions online, with many Kenyans expressing concern over the safety of carrying power banks on public transport.

“Just today... I was reading how dangerous it is for us to keep those power banks with us,” one user, @fgatimu, remarked.

Ben Dover added humour to the serious situation, posting, “Some power banks store up to 20,000mAh, which is unnecessary, kwani you don't plan to go back home?”

As of now, Kenya Railways has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.

Power banks, or portable chargers, have become essential accessories in today’s tech-reliant society, especially for commuters and travellers. 

Most are powered by lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, both known for their high energy density and lightweight design. 

However, these very qualities also make them susceptible to overheating, short-circuiting, and, in rare cases, explosion if damaged or poorly manufactured.

Globally, similar incidents have been reported in recent months.

In March, a Hong Kong Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Fuzhou after a power bank reportedly caught fire in the overhead compartment just 15 minutes after takeoff. 

The Airbus A320-232, carrying 168 passengers, quickly filled with smoke. 

The alert crew and passengers extinguished the flames using water and juice, successfully preventing injuries.

Around the same time in Singapore, a power bank ignited inside a train at Raffles Place MRT station, prompting the evacuation of approximately 650 commuters. 

Investigations by the Singapore Civil Defence Force confirmed that the fire was caused by an electrical fault in the power bank.

In response, airlines such as Singapore Airlines and AirAsia introduced stricter policies, banning the use of power banks during flights to reduce such risks.