TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Railway and Taiwan High Speed Rail advised passengers to carry power banks and keep them within sight, avoiding storage in overhead or luggage areas.

Over the past year, three separate fires have started on trains due to power banks stored in luggage. The prevalence of these incidents has led to this advisement; however, no regulations govern the storage of power banks, per CNA.

The most recent incident occurred on April 12 on the THSR when a power bank in a passenger's backpack exploded and caught fire. A fire extinguisher was needed to put out the fire, injuring a person's arm and leaving burn marks on the floor of the train carriage.

TRA Vice Chair Liu Shuang-huo (劉雙火) said, “We are asking passengers to comply because there is no legal way to force them, as the Ministry of Transportation and Communications is responsible for regulations.” The railway said those who refuse to abide will be responsible for the relevant compensation and legal liability.

TRA said current regulations do not classify power banks as dangerous goods. According to Article 68-1 of the Railway Act, dangerous goods include explosives, oxides, flammable solids or liquids or gases, corrosive substances, and toxic, radioactive, or infectious substances or items.

THSR is reminding passengers to pay attention to the use of power banks through its website, station billboards, and messages in train carriages.