400,000 power banks recalled over a fatality, fires, and explosions

A popular MagSafe power bank is back in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, with regulators reissuing a recall after recent reports of fires, explosions, and a confirmed fatality.

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has re-announced the recall of Casely's 5,000mAh MagSafe Power Pods, model E33A, following a series of serious incidents linked to the device. Around 429,200 units are expected to be faulty. Consumers are urged to stop using them immediately and request a free replacement. The recall was first issued in 2025, but has now been escalated after new reports of overheating lithium-ion batteries causing fires and injuries.

The scale of the issue is significant. The CPSC reports at least 51 incidents involving overheating, swelling, or fires, resulting in six minor injuries. Over the past year, an additional 28 cases have surfaced, including explosions on an airplane and a fatal incident involving a 75-year-old woman who suffered severe burns after the device ignited while charging.

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Another case earlier this year saw a passenger injured mid-flight after a similar failure. These incidents highlight ongoing risks tied to lithium-ion batteries, especially in compact consumer devices.

Consumers can identify affected units by checking the model number "E33A" printed on the back of the device. If matched, the advice is simple: stop using it immediately. With this marking the tenth power bank recall in the US over the past year, the situation underscores growing concerns around battery safety and quality control in the booming portable power market.