A young Aussie who suffered gruesome and life-altering injuries after his wireless power bank exploded in the middle of the night has issued a stark warning.
Reece Walker bought a Cygnett MagSafe wireless dual power bank from Harvey Norman Bairnsdale in Victoria’s Gippsland region in December 2023.
Three months later, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued an urgent recall, warning the device was a fire hazard.
But Mr Walker was unaware of the recall when his power bank burst into flames while he was asleep at a youth camp in July 2024.
He suffered gruesome burns to the backs of his legs, arms and hands and spent two weeks in hospital recovering from his injuries.
He will never forget waking up on fire and then the excruciating pain of standing under a cold shower for 40 minutes while waiting for paramedics.
‘They said I would have to lose my dignity as they cut off my boxer shorts which were burnt to my skin,’ Mr Walker told Daily Mail.
He was airlifted to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, where he spent two weeks undergoing surgery and multiple skin grafts.
Reece shared his traumatic ordeal to warn Aussies about the dangers of power banks
Reece is now speaking out about the dangers of power banks. Pictured is the recalled Cygnett MagSafe power bank
He spent two weeks in hospital recovering from serious burns caused by a power bank
Almost 18 months later, Mr Walker still suffers flashbacks and hasn’t worked since.
He still experiences pain from the scars and is triggered by the smell of smoke.
‘I still have trouble sleeping and wake up thinking it’s happening all over again. I had to quit my job as a cook at McDonald’s because of the trauma,’ he said.
He only learned of the recall after his mother contacted Harvey Norman to report his injuries and is yet to receive an apology or an explanation for the delay.
Mr Walker has launched legal action against Harvey Norman and Cygnett, determined to prevent anyone else from enduring the same ordeal.
‘I want to make sure it never happens again,’ he said. ‘There needs to be consequences for what happened. I haven’t been in a Harvey Norman store since.’
Mr Walker also shared a message with Aussies about the dangers of power banks.
‘Be very careful,’ he warned. ‘I will never use one again as I don’t trust them or anything else that comes with a lithium battery.’
‘I still have trouble sleeping and wake up thinking it’s happening all over again,’ Reece (pictured) told Daily Mail
Reece underwent surgeries and multiple skin grafts after his power bank exploded
Reece woke up in flames after his power bank exploded
Leading law firm Shine Lawyers has called on manufacturers and suppliers to improve efforts to remove dangerous products from customers.
‘You can only imagine how terrifying and painful it would’ve been for Reece to wake up on fire,’ Shine Lawyers public liability expert Kayla Cox said.
‘He’ll carry the both the physical and psychological scars caused by this faulty power bank for a significant amount of time.
‘It is heartbreaking for Reece that as a result of a faulty power bank, he has sustained lifelong injuries which could have been avoided.
‘What’s disappointing in this case is that Reece’s power bank had been the subject of a recall, but it was only after he was injured and his mum complained to the store where it was bought that they were notified of the recall.
‘The injuries these faulty products can cause are potentially horrific and the onus is on businesses to stop putting profits before people and ensuring what they’re selling is safe.’
Daily Mail has contacted Harvey Norman multiple times for comment but has not received a response.
Reece Walker has launched legal action following his harrowing ordeal almost 18 months ago
Reece suffered serious burns to his legs (pictured), back, and hands
A recall was issued just three months after Reece bought the power bank from Harvey Norman Bairnsdale (pictured)
Cygnett CEO Jason Carrington confirmed he was aware of the case and said he remained deeply concerned for Mr Walker’s welfare
‘We were in regular contact with Reece’s mother as soon as we were made aware of the incident and while he was receiving treatment and provided as much necessary support and assistance they requested while we remained in contact,’ he said.
Mr Carrington was unable to explain why Mr Walker wasn’t notified about the recall or comment further on the case due to the legal proceedings.
He said the company recalled the faulty power banks as soon as it became aware of the issue and worked with the ACCC to ensure it was communicated effectively.
‘The decision to recall this product was a necessary step to ensure the safety of our customer base,’ Mr Carrington said.
‘We implemented an extensive communication plan in conjunction with all of our retail partners and our website and social media channels.
‘We continue to advertise the recall notice broadly, advising consumers who have the product to cease using the power bank immediately and return it for a full refund, without the need for proof of purchase.’
