Explosion in the house: 34-year-old seriously injured – fire brigade on duty!

Explosion in the house: 34-year-old seriously injured – fire brigade on duty!

On February 21, 2025, around 2:30 p.m., a huge explosion shook a residential building in the Villach-Land district. The incident, which began with a loud bang, turned dramatic when a 34-year-old man, who had left a car battery in the living room, tried to take it outside. Suddenly the battery started smoking and exploded, sending the patio door flying into the garden like a missile. The force of the detonation not only caused considerable damage to property, but also seriously injured the man, reports the Small newspaper.

An attentive neighbor, who happens to be fire chief Markus Müller, heard the explosion and immediately rushed to help. Supported by other neighbors, he began to put out the fire and treat the injured person. After initial treatment, the 34-year-old was flown to the Graz State Hospital in a rescue helicopter. Although he suffered severe burns to his hands, feet and partial face, he was reported to be out of danger and remained responsive. The incident also required the involvement of the Arriach volunteer fire department with around 20 emergency services, who carried out the extinguishing work and placed the battery in a water bath to cool it down safely Gailtal Journal continues.

The investigation into the cause of the explosion, which is classified as mechanical damage or tampering with the car battery, is ongoing. The Carinthian State Criminal Police Office has taken over the investigation to find out how this dangerous situation could have arisen. The incident not only frightened residents, but also raises questions about the safety of lithium-ion batteries, especially when it comes to their use in residential areas. The damage to the home is significant and could have far-reaching consequences for security checks when dealing with such devices.