Man Hospitalized After Robot Vacuum Cleaner Explosion Destroys Home
Lachie Perrem, a man in his 20s from Perth, remains in critical condition after suffering life-threatening burns caused by an explosion involving a robotic vacuum cleaner. The incident occurred on Thursday, 2 July, at his share house in Brabham, a suburb in Perth’s north-east.
Perrem was transported to Fiona Stanley Hospital where he is receiving treatment for extensive burns. A spokesperson from the South Metropolitan Health Service confirmed that he was still in critical condition as of Tuesday evening.
Investigation and Fire Details
Investigators from the state Department of Fire and Emergency Services have determined that the fire was accidental and caused by a fault in the robotic vacuum cleaner. The exact cause of the fault—whether related to the vacuum’s electrical components or its lithium-ion battery—has not yet been established. The device has been forwarded to the state’s Building and Energy office for further examination.
The fire broke out in the kitchen of the home at approximately 5pm on 2 July. Emergency services responded promptly after a triple-zero call was made, dispatching four fire trucks to the scene. The blaze was fully extinguished after more than two hours.
This incident marks the first reported case of a fire caused by a robotic vacuum cleaner in the state. However, the department noted that there have been four fires involving standard vacuum cleaners over the past two years.
One other woman required hospital treatment following the fire.
Impact on Family and Community
Perrem’s mother, Fiona, shared details on a GoFundMe page about his condition, stating that he has sustained burns over approximately 75% of his body and remains sedated in hospital.
“He is facing an incredibly long road ahead, with multiple surgeries, extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and months of recovery,”
she said.
Perrem’s fiancée, Bri Thompson, expressed the profound impact the event has had on their lives in a social media post.
“Lachie is fighting the biggest battle of his life,”
Thompson wrote, adding that she and their housemates have lost their home.
“Our entire life has changed in a matter of moments,”
she said.
“Lachie is genuinely the most giving person there is. Anyone who knows him knows he would give absolutely anything to help someone else. He is always the first to put his hand up, the first to help and would never expect anything in return.”
Community Support and Future Plans
Perrem’s social media project, "The Tradie Vault," which focuses on mental health awareness through work site visits and tool giveaways, will be paused during his recovery. According to his social media profiles, Perrem is a trained telecommunications technician.
To assist with the costs associated with his recovery and to support his displaced fiancée and housemates, Perrem’s mother launched a GoFundMe campaign on Saturday. The fundraiser aims to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, essential living costs, car repayments, and housing.
By Tuesday evening, the campaign had raised over $26,000.
