Miracle update for Aussie tradie who nearly died after his robot vacuum exploded inside his home – as he leaves hospital for the first time
Lachie Perrem, a 25-year-old tradesman from Perth, has been discharged from hospital after months of treatment for severe burns caused by a robot vacuum explosion at his home. His recovery remains ongoing, but returning home marks a major milestone after a life-threatening injury.
Perrem suffered burns to 75 per cent of his body and underwent at least four operations, including skin grafts; he was also placed in an induced coma and temporarily lost his voice. His family said a leaking battery was involved, and the vacuum is being investigated. Western Australia’s fire service said lithium-ion battery failures can trigger intense fires and explosions.
- Lachie Perrem has left hospital after months of treatment.
- The robot vacuum explosion caused burns to 75 per cent of his body.
- His family says recovery and regular dressing changes continue.
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Robot vacuums and many other household devices use lithium-ion batteries, which store a lot of energy in a small space. If a battery is damaged or fails, it can overheat and cause a fire; in some cases, the failure may involve flames or an explosion.
Lachie Perrem is a tradesman from Perth, in Western Australia. His family said a leaking battery was involved in the incident at his home, and the vacuum is being investigated. The case has drawn attention to the risks posed by battery failures in everyday household devices.