THIS is the terrifying moment a man was left running for his life while engulfed in flames after a power bank suddenly exploded in his pocket.
The horrifying scenes unfolded at an underground station in China after a portable charger ignited inside a commuter’s jacket as he made his way down an escalator.
Terrified passengers scattered as the man sprinted through Shanghai West Railway station with fire tearing through his clothing.
Dramatic footage shows the commuter running desperately, forcing onlookers on Metro line 15 to retreat in panic.
Moments later, a second video captures the station choked with thick black smoke, bringing services to a standstill.
Witnesses say the blaze erupted without warning.
“We were stunned to see the man running away with flames on his jacket. People started screaming, and we immediately alerted station staff,” said one onlooker.
“Everyone moved back while he ran towards the escalator. Thankfully, he was safe, and the fire was put out quickly.”
Miraculously, no serious injuries were reported.
Local media revealed that sparks burst from the man’s pocket seconds before the fire took hold.
Officials later confirmed the power bank had been purchased just last month.
It also carried China‘s mandatory 3C safety certification, and was not being used at the time of the explosion.
Authorities have since issued renewed warnings, stressing that power banks can ignite even when idle.
Fires may have been triggered by internal short circuits, manufacturing defects, high temperatures, or damage caused by improper charging, officials said.
It comes as emergency officials in the US issued an urgent warning after a portable charger exploded inside a family home – narrowly missing pets.
The incident happened in Oklahoma, where a lithium-ion power bank was left within reach of two dogs in a living room.
One of the animals began chewing on the device while resting on a mattress, triggering a sudden ignition.
The charger erupted into flames, sending sparks and smoke through the room and setting fire to nearby furnishings.
Both dogs scrambled to escape and were later rescued and taken to safety as firefighters assessed the damage inside the property.
The Tulsa Fire Department, which released the footage, warned the public never to leave power banks unattended around pets.
They stressed that damaged or punctured chargers can ignite without warning.