Overview
- A robot vacuum reportedly erupted into flames inside a Brabham rental home on July 2, leaving 25‑year‑old Lachie Perrem with burns over about 75% of his body and heavy damage to the kitchen and living room.
- Perrem was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital, placed in an induced coma and has since undergone multiple surgeries including wound debridement and skin grafts.
- His family reported medical progress in a July 20 update, saying he woke from the coma, is communicating, has improved hand movement and had his feeding tube removed.
- The Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety has seized the vacuum for examination and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services warned that lithium‑ion batteries can fail in a rapid thermal‑runaway that produces intense fire and explosive fragments.
- The explosion has left the household without a home and the family has raised more than AU$44,400 on GoFundMe to cover living costs, rehabilitation and ongoing medical needs while investigators test the device.