
Perth man critically injured after robot vacuum explodes
In Brabham, Perth, Lachie Perrem, 25, suffered burns to about 75% of his body when a robot vacuum exploded after a leaking lithium-ion battery ignited while he cooked, destroying his home and prompting investigations into the device. His mother, Fiona Perrem, has shared new details of the incident and says he’s waking from an induced coma and making progress after multiple surgeries, with a GoFundMe raising over $40,000 to help with medical and living costs.
Health · 6 sources · Jul 23, 2026Read itThe journal
Open the journal →The conversation starts in the journal — be the first to post.
About Brabham
Brabham is a suburb located about 21 km (13 mi) north-east of Perth's central business district. The suburb is located in the City of Swan just south of Henley Brook, formerly being a part of that suburb before it was gazetted in May 2011. The suburb was named after Australian motor racing personality Sir Jack Brabham who competed in the 1962 Australian Grand Prix, held at the nearby Caversham Airfield. The suburb is part of the City of Swan's urban growth corridor and is bordered by Park Street to the north, Murray Street to the east, Harrow Street to the south and Drumpellier Drive and Isoondon Street to the west. It is located in the Whiteman Ward of the City of Swan.
Everything about Brabham →- Country
- Australia
- Inception
- May 2011