The terrifying sequence of events behind the robot vacuum explosion that left Aussie tradie fighting for life is finally revealed

The mother of a tradesman left fighting for life after his robot vacuum cleaner exploded in his kitchen has revealed how the horrifying incident unfolded.

Lachie Perrem, 25, had his vacuum running when the device suddenly erupted into flames inside his home on Airgate Close in Brabham, in Perth’s north-east, on July 2.

He was rushed to Fiona Stanley Hospital with burns to 75 per cent of his body and has since undergone multiple surgeries.

While he has woken from his medically induced coma and can communicate with his family, Mr Perrem faces a long road to recovery and will require extensive rehabilitation.

His mother, Fiona Perrem, has now revealed what happened.

‘He had a robo vac and unbeknownst to him the battery had a leak,’ Ms Perrem said. ‘When he started cooking something ignited and caused an explosion. He was at the forefront of it all.’

The device has been sent to the state’s building and energy office for further investigation. 

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services Western Australia said lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in robot vacuum cleaners, can be dangerous because of their highly flammable materials.

‘When lithium-ion batteries fail, they can undergo thermal runaway, which can be violent bursting of one or multiple battery cells, hissing and release of toxic, flammable and explosive gases and an intense, self-sustaining fire,’ DFES said.

‘Thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries can happen very quickly and be very dangerous. It may cause toxic smoke, flames and battery pieces to explode.’

Battery fires have become increasingly common in recent years, particularly involving e-scooters and e-bikes.

‘To prevent an incident involving lithium-ion batteries, only purchase and use devices and equipment from reputable manufacturers and suppliers,’ DFES said.

Although there had been four vacuum cleaner fires in the past two years, this was the first reported incident involving a robot vacuum cleaner, it said.

CSIRO battery technology expert Dr Adam Best said that when a lithium-ion battery goes into thermal runaway, ‘any ignition source’ could cause these gases to potentially cause an explosion and catch fire.

He said lithium-ion batteries can fail for several reasons, including charger or electronic faults, physical damage such as being dropped, crushed or punctured, or prolonged exposure to heat.

In very rare cases, he said, a manufacturing or material defect within the battery cells could also be to blame.

‘Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere – from EVs, home energy storage, mobile phones, laptops, power tools, medical devices, vacuums and more,’ Dr Best told the Daily Mail.

‘They are the preferred solution for devices where either being small or lightweight is part of the design, like phones or laptops, or where power is required to do difficult jobs.’

Dr Best said consumers could reduce the risk by regularly checking charging cables for damage and replacing or safely disposing of faulty ones. 

He also advised charging devices on non-flammable surfaces and avoiding leaving them plugged in for extended periods.

He warned people never to charge a battery or device if it is hot, swollen or misshapen.

‘Have an expert check it and if you are still unsure, dispose of your device via a B-cycle bin,’ he said.

‘Should you damage or drop your device, before you charge it, have the device checked.’

Mr Perrem has already undergone three surgeries as a result of the explosion, including the removal of dead tissue and skin grafts to his fingers, left elbow and torso.

He also temporarily lost his voice, and is expected to undergo more surgery in the coming months.

Ms Perrem said her son’s injuries and skin grafts were continuing to heal well.

‘The physio team is extremely happy with his progress, especially with the movement in his hands. Today was another big milestone as his feeding tube was removed,’ Ms Perrem said in an update on the family’s GoFundMe page.

‘His face and neck are healing really well too. Every step forward is a huge achievement, and we’re so grateful for the incredible care he’s receiving and for everyone’s ongoing support, encouragement and donations.’

The fundraiser has raised $44,345 of its $55,000 target.

Photos taken after the explosion showed windows blown out and walls blackened by the blast.

The damage stretched from the kitchen into the living room, with furniture completely destroyed, floorboards charred and debris scattered throughout the home.

His fiancée, Bri Thompson, who was left homeless by the explosion, said she was struggling to come to terms with what had happened, describing the days that followed as ‘completely unimaginable’.

‘Our entire life has changed in a matter of moments, and everything has been incredibly intense and overwhelming,’ she said.

Before the incident, while working as a tradie Mr Perrem ran the charity The Tradie Vault, which was focused on building a community to support mental health.

‘Lachie and business partner Harley used their platform to raise awareness for men’s mental health and encouraging people to look out for one another,’ the family said.

‘Those who know Lachie know that The Tradie Vault is a reflection of those values.’