The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Brooklyn-based tech accessory company Casely have issued a critical reannouncement regarding a recall of approximately 429,200 MagSafe Power Pods. The move follows a series of alarming incidents involving overheating, explosions, and a fatal injury.
The Incident and Safety Risks
The recall specifically targets the Casely 5,000-mAh MagSafe Power Pod (Model E33A). The core issue lies within the device’s lithium-ion battery, which has been reported to overheat, expand, and ignite during use.
The consequences of these malfunctions have proven life-threatening:
– Fatal Injury: In August 2024, a 75-year-old woman in New Jersey suffered second and third-degree burns when the device exploded on her lap, eventually leading to her death.
– In-Flight Danger: In February 2026, a passenger on an airplane suffered burns when the device caught fire while charging a phone.
– General Injuries: Casely has received 51 reports of batteries overheating or catching fire, resulting in several minor burn injuries.
A Growing Trend in Battery Safety
This recall is not an isolated event but rather part of a troubling trend in the portable electronics market. This marks the tenth power bank recall in the United States within the last 12 months. The scale of these issues is significant; for context, Anker—one of the industry’s largest players—recalled 1.5 million power banks in 2025.
The frequency of these recalls highlights the inherent volatility of high-density lithium-ion batteries in compact, consumer-grade devices. As portable power demands increase, the margin for error in battery thermal management becomes increasingly slim, posing a persistent risk to users.
How to Identify and Handle Recalled Units
If you own a portable charger, it is vital to verify whether your model is part of this safety alert.
Identification Steps:
- Check the Model Number: Look at the back of your power bank.
- Verify the Code: If the model number is E33A, the device is part of the recall.
Immediate Actions Required:
- Stop using the device immediately. Do not attempt to charge a phone with it, as this may trigger a fire.
- Contact Casely: The company is offering a complete replacement for all affected units at no cost to the consumer.
- Visit Official Sites: Detailed instructions for requesting a replacement can be found on both the CPSC and Casely websites.
Warning: Do not store these devices near flammable materials or on your person while they are charging.
Summary: Due to reports of explosions and a fatal burn injury, Casely is recalling 429,200 Model E33A MagSafe Power Pods. Consumers are urged to stop using these devices immediately and contact the manufacturer for a free replacement.
