A recent incident at Melbourne International Airport has reignited concerns over the safety of lithium power banks during air travel. A man in his 50s suffered burns to his leg and fingers after a power bank in his pocket ignited in the Qantas business lounge. The device overheated, burst into flames, and filled the area with smoke, leading to the evacuation of approximately 150 people. Quick-thinking staff assisted the man by placing him under a shower until paramedics arrived. He was hospitalized in stable condition and later released. Witnesses reported seeing ‘battery acid flying everywhere,’ according to The Age newspaper. The lounge was cleaned and reopened two hours later. Australian film producer Leanne Tonkes, who was present during the incident, shared an image of the burnt power bank on Instagram, expressing concern for the injured man and praising the swift response of staff and bystanders. This incident has prompted Qantas to review its policies regarding passengers carrying lithium batteries, including power banks. The airline is expected to announce updated guidelines soon. The incident is not isolated. In July, a fire on a Virgin Australia flight from Sydney to Hobart was attributed to a power bank stored in an overhead locker. The airline is now advising passengers to keep power banks ‘in sight and within easy reach’ during flights. Earlier this year, a fire believed to be caused by a power bank destroyed a passenger plane in South Korea. In response to these safety concerns, several international airlines, including Emirates, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Korean Air, and Singapore Airlines, have banned the use and charging of power banks during flights. Additionally, many airlines have imposed limits on the number and capacity of rechargeable batteries passengers can carry. For example, some airlines restrict passengers to two power banks with a capacity between 100Wh and 160Wh. These measures aim to mitigate the risks associated with lithium batteries, which are known to be prone to overheating and combustion under certain conditions.
标签： Oceania
大洋洲
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Cummins ‘on track’ to return for second Ashes Test
Australia’s cricket captain, Pat Cummins, has expressed confidence in his recovery from a lower back injury, stating he is “on track” to participate in the second Test of the Ashes series against England. The 32-year-old pace bowler has been sidelined since the conclusion of a Test series in the West Indies in July and will miss the opening Test in Perth, commencing on 21 November. Cummins has resumed bowling with a reduced run-up as part of his rehabilitation and is targeting a return for the day-night match in Brisbane, starting on 4 December. “It’s all feeling really good. On track and yeah, probably better than I expected,” Cummins remarked. He added that each session is incremental, and he anticipates being close to a full run-up once he arrives in Perth. In Cummins’ absence, Steve Smith, who was stripped of the captaincy in 2018 following a ball-tampering scandal, will lead Australia in the first Test. Cummins, who has taken 91 wickets against England in 19 Tests, remains cautious about his workload post-recovery, stating, “I don’t really want to commit to anything this far out. I’m pretty keen to play as much as I can.” Australia’s pace attack in Perth is expected to feature Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland, all aged 34 and above.
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Australian teen charged over allegedly sticking googly eyes on ‘Blue Blob’ artwork
A 19-year-old Australian teenager, Amelia Vanderhorst, has been brought to court for allegedly defacing a prominent public sculpture by attaching googly eyes to it. The incident, which occurred in September, involved a large blue sculpture of a mythical creature, locally nicknamed the ‘Blue Blob,’ located in Mount Gambier, South Australia. Vanderhorst appeared via phone at the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on Tuesday, facing one count of property damage. She did not enter a plea and cited illness as her reason for not participating fully, with the magistrate advising her to seek legal representation before her next court appearance in December. The local council reported that CCTV footage captured the act, and the artificial eyes could not be removed without causing further damage to the artwork. The mayor, Lynette Martin, condemned the act as ‘inappropriate and disrespectful,’ emphasizing the costly repairs required. The sculpture, officially named ‘Cast in Blue,’ was inspired by an ancient marsupial ant-eater and cost A$136,000 ($89,000; £68,000) to create. While it initially received mixed reactions from the community, it has since become a cherished piece of public art. The council intends to pursue the responsible party for the significant repair costs.
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Great Barrier Reef may partially recover from ‘grim future’ if global warming stays below 2C
The Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems, is on track for a ‘grim future’ with a ‘rapid coral decline’ projected by 2050, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Queensland (UQ). However, the research offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that parts of the reef may recover if global warming is kept below 2°C. The study utilized advanced modeling to simulate the lifecycles of various coral species, revealing that some corals are better equipped to adapt to warmer ocean temperatures, potentially aiding in the growth of new coral. Reefs situated near cooler-water currents were also found to be more resilient. The research underscores the critical importance of reducing carbon emissions to prevent a ‘near collapse’ of the reef. Dr. Yves-Marie Bozec, the lead researcher, emphasized that the study examined the ‘eco-evolutionary dynamics’ of over 3,800 individual reefs, including how corals interact and respond to warmer waters. ‘We forecast a rapid coral decline before the middle of this century regardless of the emissions scenario,’ he stated. The Great Barrier Reef, spanning over 2,300 km off Australia’s northeast coast, has endured four significant marine heatwaves between 2016 and 2022, leading to widespread coral bleaching—a process where corals expel the algae that provide them with life and color, often resulting in death. A recent report highlighted that parts of the reef experienced the largest annual decline in coral cover in nearly 40 years. Dr. Bozec noted that some reef areas ‘may partially recover after 2050, but only if ocean warming is sufficiently slow to allow natural adaptation to keep pace with temperature changes.’ He stressed that global action to reduce carbon emissions is essential to limit warming to below 2°C by 2100. Professor Peter Mumby, a co-author of the study, added that many reefs could persist under the Paris Agreement target of 2°C warming, but higher emissions would likely drive most reefs to near collapse. The study also identified more resilient areas of the reef network, suggesting that conservation efforts should focus on these strategic parts of the ecosystem.
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‘Australia not a bunch of old-timers – they’re an outstanding team’
As the Ashes series approaches, Australia’s cricket team is under the spotlight for its reliance on seasoned veterans, raising questions about the future of its squad. With just 16 days until the first Test, the anticipation is palpable, and the narrative is dominated by the age and experience of the Australian players. The team, led by chief selector George Bailey, boasts a wealth of talent, including Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, who collectively have over 1,200 Test wickets. However, the squad’s average age is a point of concern, with only all-rounder Cameron Green under 30.
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Who are the players in Australia’s Ashes squad?
Australia has unveiled its squad for the opening Ashes Test against England, aiming to extend their dominance over the urn into a second decade. The team faces a significant setback as captain and pace bowler Pat Cummins will miss the first Test due to a back injury. Scott Boland is set to step in as his replacement. Tasmania’s Jake Weatherald has earned his maiden call-up and could potentially open the batting, adding a fresh dynamic to the squad. The series kicks off on November 21, with the final Test scheduled for January 4.
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Bailey defends age of Australia Ashes squad
Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, has come under fire for his squad selection for the first Ashes Test against England, with critics pointing to the team’s aging lineup. The 15-man squad, announced on Wednesday for the Perth Test starting on 21 November, features only one player under 30—26-year-old all-rounder Cameron Green. Former captain Steve Waugh led the criticism, accusing Bailey of lacking the ‘appetite’ to make tough decisions to rejuvenate the team. Bailey, however, defended the selection, emphasizing the players’ performance and right to be chosen. ‘We’re aware of the age profile of the team,’ Bailey stated. ‘You’ve got to give due respect that the guys are performing very well.’ The squad includes seasoned players like Nathan Lyon (37), Mitchell Starc (35), and Josh Hazlewood (34), alongside uncapped players Sean Abbott (33) and Brendan Doggett (31). Opener Sam Konstas, 20, was notably dropped for the second time in 12 months, with Bailey expressing confidence in his long-term potential. Captain Pat Cummins, recovering from a back injury, was left out, with Steve Smith stepping in as skipper. Australia, the current Ashes holders, face an England team that has struggled in recent tours. The five-Test series, set to conclude on 8 January, promises high stakes and intense competition.
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Investigators board cruise ship that left woman behind on island
In a tragic turn of events, the Coral Adventurer cruise ship has become the center of a harrowing investigation after an elderly passenger was left behind on a remote Australian island and later found dead. Suzanne Rees, an 80-year-old woman from Sydney, was hiking on Lizard Island with fellow passengers when she decided to rest, breaking away from the group. Unbeknownst to her, the ship departed without her, only realizing her absence several hours later. Despite a search and rescue effort, Ms. Rees was discovered deceased the following day. The incident has prompted a joint investigation by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Queensland Police, and the state coroner. The Coral Adventurer, operated by Coral Expeditions, was initially delayed due to mechanical issues and later canceled its 60-day cruise around Australia following the tragedy. The ship, designed to access remote coastal areas, accommodates up to 120 guests and 46 crew members. Ms. Rees’ daughter, Katherine Rees, expressed her family’s shock and sadness, emphasizing the apparent failure of care and common sense. She hopes the coroner’s inquiry will reveal what could have been done to save her mother’s life. The cruise operator has expressed deep regret and is cooperating fully with authorities while offering support to the bereaved family.
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‘Addictive’ diaries win prestigious non-fiction prize
Australian author Helen Garner has made history by winning the esteemed Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction with her collection of diaries, *How to End a Story: Collected Diaries*. This marks the first time a diary compilation has received this prestigious award. Garner’s work offers a deeply personal narrative, chronicling her life from her early days in Melbourne’s bohemian scene to her experiences as a mother in the 1970s and the dissolution of her marriage in the 1990s. Known for her previous works, including *The House of Grief* (2014), which delved into the tragic trial of Robert Farquharson, Garner has long been celebrated for her incisive storytelling and keen observational skills. The judging panel, led by Robbie Millen, unanimously selected Garner’s work, praising it as ‘a remarkable, addictive book’ that elevates the diary form to new heights. Comparisons have been drawn to the legendary *Diary of Virginia Woolf*, with critics like Rachel Cooke of *The Observer* hailing Garner’s collection as ‘the greatest, richest journals by a writer since Woolf’s.’ Garner’s win is particularly significant as it represents her first major UK-based literary accolade, following the British publication of three of her books last year. The Baillie Gifford Prize, which honors outstanding non-fiction works, awarded Garner £50,000, with the other shortlisted authors each receiving £5,000. The shortlist included notable works such as Jason Burke’s *The Revolutionists*, Richard Holmes’ *The Boundless Deep*, and Justin Marozzi’s *Captives and Companions*. Garner’s victory underscores her enduring influence and the universal appeal of her deeply introspective and evocative writing.
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Australia announces 15-member squad for first Ashes Test in Perth
Australia has unveiled its 15-member squad for the opening Ashes Test against England in Perth, with Steve Smith stepping in as captain following Pat Cummins’ injury. Travis Head has been appointed as vice-captain. The squad, announced by chairman of selectors George Bailey, aims for a balanced composition, with 14 players participating in the upcoming Sheffield Shield matches to fine-tune their form. Three newcomers—batsman Jake Weatherald and bowlers Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott—are set to make their Test debuts, with Weatherald vying for an opening spot alongside Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja. All-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster, along with wicketkeeper Alex Carey and reserve Josh Inglis, complete the lineup. The bowling attack features Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland. Bailey expressed optimism about Cummins’ potential return later in the series. Weatherald’s consistent performance over the past 18 months earned him a spot, with Bailey praising his complementary style. The final XI remains undecided, with Bailey emphasizing that the selection will be finalized closer to the match. Sam Konstas, who opened in the West Indies series, was omitted due to lackluster domestic form. The first Test will be held at Optus Stadium in Perth from November 21 to 25, followed by matches in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. England, led by Ben Stokes, announced their 16-man squad in September, featuring Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley as openers.