Exploding battery in pelican case on plane

[prof]

Found it interesting. They're reporting it as an exploding or burning battery in a pelican case.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45121888.../#.TrBhQvSImU8

and

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/11/01...iref=allsearch

[scriverdog]

this report is calling a "sealed lead battery" as the cause of the "explosion". there may be a bit of misinformation as news agencies may not appreciate the distinctions between different cell types.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/l...0,959818.story

I'd be interested in hearing the speculation on this forum, especially if the cell was in a pelican case where it would have been isolated from other contents of traveler's bag and more difficult for battery terminals to make unintended contact.

[prof]

Agreed. They're not being clear. One article suggested that the cells made contact with a metal strip or something (why that would be with them I do not know). I wonder if the cells were in foam or just rolling around.

Either way, they were clearly not being transported safely!

[bshanahan14rulz]

I blame TSA agents for not repacking them correctly ;-)