By julia | The News Lens | January 24, 2026
Taipei Metro (Taipei MRT) has announced that passengers are prohibited from using power banks within the MRT system, citing recent incidents of spontaneous combustion. The operator said all 117 MRT stations are now equipped with emergency fire-response tools to handle lithium battery fires.
Speaking at a press briefing, Taipei Metro displayed a power bank involved in a recent incident and urged passengers not to use power banks once inside the MRT system, and to store them properly to reduce fire risk.
According to a Taipei Metro press release issued on January 23, a power bank began emitting smoke on a Bannan Line train on January 16. A passenger used a fire extinguisher, causing panic on board. Approximately 450 passengers were forced to disembark and transfer to another train.
A similar incident occurred overseas on January 21, when a power bank caught fire inside a Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line train. Media reports described flames surging to nearly head height, forcing a temporary shutdown of the entire line. No injuries were reported.
Taipei Metro said that given the recent rise in domestic and international power bank fire incidents, it has deployed dedicated lithium battery fire-response equipment at every station to enable staff to respond immediately.
The operator emphasized that passengers must not use power banks inside MRT facilities and should ensure they are properly stored. If improper use or storage results in a fire or creates a public safety hazard, legal responsibility and compensation claims will be pursued in accordance with the law.
Taipei Metro noted that while Taiwan’s rail operators do not currently ban passengers from carrying power banks, a formal announcement will be issued to clearly prohibit charging with power banks within the MRT system. Passengers are also advised to purchase products that meet national safety standards and inspection requirements, and not to bring power banks that are deformed or abnormally hot into the MRT system.
What to Do If a Power Bank Catches Fire
Based on guidance from fire authorities, Taipei Metro explained that when a lithium battery enters thermal runaway, the most effective response is to fully submerge the burning power bank in a container of cold water to rapidly cool it and prevent re-ignition.
To support this, all stations have been equipped with metal buckets, tongs, heat-resistant gloves, and bottled water. In the event of a power bank fire or smoke incident, staff will follow fire department procedures and immediately report the incident.
Taipei Metro warned that power bank fires not only threaten train operations but can also cause panic among passengers and lead to service delays. The operator urged the public to comply with safety regulations and remain aware of the condition of their personal electronic devices to help ensure public transport safety.
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