Overnight-charged portable fan explodes in Caloocan City home
By Trixee Rosel
Screengrab from CCTV footage shows the portable fan explosion inside a Caloocan City home. (Courtesy of Jhinky Bolante Almoete)
A portable fan left charging overnight exploded inside a home in Caloocan City, injuring one person.
The incident occurred in Barangay 34, Maypajo, Caloocan City on Thursday morning, April 9, after the device reportedly overheated while the household was asleep.
CCTV footage from a residence in Barangay 42, South Caloocan, showed the portable fan suddenly exploding while placed on a bed, triggering panic inside the home.
The homeowner, who was sleeping beside her child and partner, immediately woke up, unplugged the device, and extinguished the fire.
She sustained minor injuries after being hit by melted plastic fragments during the incident.
The resident admitted she had left the portable fan charging overnight and had fallen asleep while using her phone, forgetting to disconnect it from the outlet before sleeping.
Jhinky shows her injured hand after a portable fan exploded inside their home. (Photo courtesy ourtesy of Jhinky Bolante Almoete)
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) – Caloocan Central Fire Station said the incident highlights the risks of leaving of electronic devices charging unattended, especially overnight.
“I remind the public to avoid leaving electronic devices charging while sleeping and to immediately unplug gadgets once fully charged to prevent overheating that may lead to fire incidents,” the BFP said.
The bureau added that prolonged charging and improper placement of devices may increase the risk of overheating, especially when placed on beds, couches, or other flammable surfaces.