Series of Portable Battery Fires in Subway... Seoul Metro Urges Caution

Nine Incidents in Two Years
Restrictions Imposed on Lithium Batteries Exceeding 160Wh

As a series of incidents involving fires or smoke caused by portable batteries carried by passengers on the Seoul subway have occurred, Seoul Metro has urged citizens to exercise special caution.

On the 18th, sparks and smoke were emitted from a portable battery inside a passenger's bag on a train at Samgakji Station on Line 6. Although there were no injuries, confusion ensued until the situation was resolved.

According to Seoul Metro on August 24, there have been nine cases over the past two years in which smoke or sparks occurred from portable or lithium batteries within sections managed by the corporation. In particular, since April of this year, such incidents have continued at Yeonsinnae Station, Express Bus Terminal Station, Sillim Station, Seoul Station, Sindang Station, and most recently Samgakji Station. While there have been no severe casualties so far, these incidents have resulted in passenger evacuations and train delays. There are also secondary safety risks, such as smoke spreading and passengers falling during evacuation in crowded trains.

Seoul Metro advised passengers to check the condition of their portable batteries before using the subway. Passengers are urged to immediately stop using and carrying batteries if they are swollen, appear misshapen, have been subjected to shock, feel abnormally hot, or emit a burning smell or smoke. The company also recommended ensuring that even normal batteries are not exposed to high temperatures or impact inside the train and to store them in a way that prevents them from being crushed by other items in the bag. If a battery suddenly becomes hot or emits smoke or sparks while on board, passengers should immediately notify station staff or train crew.

Seoul Metro also emphasized that the responsibility for managing personal belongings lies with the passenger carrying them. According to the company's terms and conditions of passenger transport, the passenger is liable for any damage caused by negligent management of personal items such as portable batteries, bicycles, or suitcases. If negligent management causes damage to other passengers or to Seoul Metro, liability for compensation may arise depending on the circumstances of the accident and who is at fault.

Meanwhile, under the revised passenger transport terms, Seoul Metro has restricted the carrying of high-capacity lithium batteries exceeding 160Wh and personal mobility devices (PM) powered by lithium batteries, such as electric kickboards, on the subway effective since July 1.

Haekeun Ma, Head of the Sales Division at Seoul Metro, stated, "Negligent management of portable batteries can affect not only yourself but also the safety of other passengers. We ask that you check the condition of your battery once more before boarding and refrain from bringing any problematic batteries on board. Please join us in practicing these precautions for everyone's safety."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.