Inspection of Response System for Lithium Battery Fires
Busan Transportation Corporation (President Lee Byungjin) conducted the “2025 Disaster Preparedness Regular Drill” at the Daejeo Train Depot on the 29th, in preparation for complex disaster scenarios such as battery fires and vehicle breakdowns within the urban railway system.
Busan Transportation Corporation is conducting a practical response drill for a 'battery fire and vehicle breakdown complex disaster' and taking a commemorative photo. Provided by Busan Transportation Corporation
With public concern mounting due to a series of fire incidents involving personal mobility devices (PM), such as electric scooters and e-bikes, as well as auxiliary batteries, the corporation used this drill-based on a simulated real-life disaster-to assess its battery fire response system and overall ability to handle complex disasters within the urban railway.
The drill simulated a scenario in which a fire breaks out due to a runaway battery in an electric scooter during train operation, followed by a train breakdown while the train is being returned to the depot after the fire has been extinguished.
In collaboration with Gangseo Fire Station and a citizen participation group, the corporation conducted a joint drill at a practical level, thoroughly evaluating the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation systems and response manuals.
The drill proceeded in the following order: initial passenger evacuation and reporting procedures by the train driver, controller, and station staff; demonstration of large-volume water extinguishing by the fire department; and emergency restoration and rescue connection work in response to the train breakdown.
Because lithium battery fires have a high risk of reignition due to thermal runaway and are difficult to extinguish with standard fire extinguishers alone, firefighters realistically reenacted a field response procedure by quickly removing the electric scooter from the train and conducting large-volume water suppression.
On the day of the drill, Kim Jaeun, Chairman of the Busan Metropolitan Council’s Construction and Transportation Committee, other city council members, and citizens also participated directly, taking on roles such as reporting and guiding evacuations. The corporation explained that this drill served as an opportunity to reaffirm that “urban railway safety is a shared responsibility of the local community.”
Kim Jaeun, Chairman of the Construction and Transportation Committee, stated, “I visited the site to personally verify our ability to protect the lives and safety of citizens. Witnessing the swift and accurate response, just like in a real situation, gave me confidence that Busan’s urban railway can safeguard our citizens.” He added, “The city council will continue to provide full policy support.”
Lee Byungjin, President of Busan Transportation Corporation, said, “Because lithium battery fires spread rapidly and have a high risk of reignition, a swift and systematic response is essential. We will regularly inspect our disaster response system and strengthen cooperation with related agencies to ensure that citizens can use the urban railway with peace of mind.”
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