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Robot Vacuum Explodes, Critically Injuring Man
7 Jul
Summary
- Man suffered life-threatening burns from robot vacuum explosion.
- Fire destroyed his share house in Brabham, Perth.
- He faces extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
A man in his 20s is fighting for his life after a robotic vacuum cleaner exploded, causing a house fire in Brabham, Perth. Lachie Perrem sustained critical, life-threatening burns across about 75% of his body. The incident occurred on Thursday, July 2, when the vacuum caught fire in the kitchen of his share house.
Emergency services responded promptly, with four firetrucks extinguishing the blaze over two hours later. While Perrem remains in critical condition at Fiona Stanley Hospital, undergoing extensive treatment and facing multiple surgeries, his fiancée and housemates lost their home. This marks the first reported incident involving a robotic vacuum cleaner fire.
Investigators from the state department of fire and emergency services have determined the fire was accidental, possibly due to an electrical fault or battery issue. The device has been sent for further analysis. A GoFundMe campaign, launched by Perrem's mother, has already surpassed $26,000 to support his recovery and living costs for those displaced.
