Screams and smoke broke out in Melbourne Airport’s international Qantas business lounge after a man caught fire when a powerbank ignited in his pocket, forcing about 150 travellers to evacuate.

Staff leapt to the aid of the man about 11am on Thursday, helping him into a shower and evacuating the lounge after the powerbank overheated.

One traveller said they suddenly “heard screaming from the other side of the lounge”, and the explosion of the device sent “battery acid flying everywhere”.

“His jacket caught on fire. They evacuated us because the smoke and smell was so strong, but I really just hope the guy is okay,” the traveller wrote on social media, sharing a photo of the charred device surrounded by warning signs.

Film producer Leanne Tonkes, who was also in the lounge at the time,

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