An Australian tradie left fighting for his life after a robot vacuum cleaner exploded inside his home is still recovering after being fed through a feeding tube.
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 recovery.
His mother, Fiona Perrem, revealed the most recent steps in the extensive rehabilitation process after he underwent his fourth surgery on Tuesday.
‘While each surgery is another step forward, it does set him back for a little while due to the pain and recovery,’ she said on the GoFundMe campaign.
‘The good news is that his fingers are starting to look really good, and he’s now able to walk much better.
‘He’s working incredibly hard with daily physiotherapy and has even been doing physio sessions in the hospital gym.
Lachie Perrem was critically injured after he had his vacuum running when the device suddenly erupted into flames inside his home 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
Mr Perrem (pictured with his fiancee Bri Thompson) is undergoing extensive physiotherapy support and is eating at least 5,000 calories every day
‘To keep his feeding tube out, Lachie now needs to eat at least 5,000 calories every day, which is a huge challenge, but he’s determined to keep making progress.’
Ms Perrem thanked supporters for their encouragement and generosity.
‘It means so much to Lachie and our family as he continues this long road to recovery,’ she said.
In July, Ms Perrem explained what the family believes happened to cause the explosion.
‘He had a robo vac and, unbeknownst to him, the battery had a leak,’ she 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.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services Western Australia said there had been four vacuum cleaner fires in the past two years, but this was the first reported incident involving a robot vacuum cleaner
The explosion destroyed the home he shares with fiancée Bri Thompson (pictured together)
‘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.
Mr Perrem’s previous three surgeries included the removal of dead tissue and skin grafts to his fingers, left elbow and torso
‘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 advised charging devices on non-flammable surfaces and avoiding leaving them plugged in for extended periods.
He also warned people never to charge a battery or device if it is hot, swollen or misshapen.
Mr Perrem’s previous surgeries included the removal of dead tissue and skin grafts to his fingers, left elbow and torso. He also temporarily lost his voice.
The fundraiser has raised $45,927 of its $55,000 target.
Photos taken after the explosion show windows blown out and walls blackened by the blast.
Photos taken after the explosion showed windows blown out and walls blackened
The damage stretched from the kitchen into the living room, with furniture destroyed, floorboards charred and debris scattered through the home.
Mr Perrem’s 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.’
