Lithium battery explosion suspected cause of fire that prompted evacuation at Kansas Star Casino
Mulvane, KS – The Kansas Star Casino was evacuated Thursday night after a fire broke out in the gaming area, sending patrons and employees scrambling for safety. The cause of the fire is believed to be a lithium battery explosion, according to the Mulvane Fire Department.
The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. when a loud explosion was heard and smoke was seen billowing out of a slot machine. The fire quickly spread to other machines and gaming tables, prompting the evacuation of the entire casino. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries as all patrons and employees were safely evacuated from the building.
Firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes and were able to extinguish the blaze before it could cause any serious damage to the building. However, the interior of the casino suffered smoke and water damage, forcing management to close the facility indefinitely for repairs.
Investigators from the Mulvane Fire Department believe that the fire was caused by a lithium battery explosion in one of the slot machines. Lithium batteries are commonly used in electronic devices, including slot machines, and have been known to explode under certain conditions, such as overcharging or physical damage.
The exact circumstances that led to the battery explosion are still under investigation, but it serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of lithium batteries. The Federal Aviation Administration has previously issued warnings about the risks of transporting lithium batteries on airplanes due to their volatile nature.
The Kansas Star Casino management released a statement expressing their gratitude to the Mulvane Fire Department for their swift response and ensuring the safety of everyone on the premises. They also reassured patrons that they are working diligently to repair the damage and reopen the casino as soon as possible.
In the meantime, the Kansas Star Casino urges anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Mulvane Fire Department. They also advise patrons to exercise caution when using electronic devices that contain lithium batteries and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent any potential accidents in the future.
