Melbourne hoverboard fire sparks ban call

The federal government has been asked to consider a ban on hoverboards, after one of the toys triggered a housefire in Melbourne.

A hoverboard that destroyed a Melbourne home when it caught fire has sparked moves to ban them in Australia.

Victoria's consumer affairs minister Jane Garrett has written to her federal counterpart Kelly O'Dwyer, asking her to consider a permanent ban of the toy after the blaze on Monday night.

She has also spoken to colleagues in other states, and says there is widespread concern.

A hoverboard charging in a Strathmore home triggered a fire just 10 minutes after it was plugged in on Monday night.

Authorities are urging consumers to check hoverboards they may have at home, with seven products recalled to date.

The device and its charger should be stamped with the Australian Regulatory Compliance Mark, a tick surrounded by a triangle.


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Source: AAP



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