Key Takeaways
- A 75‑year‑old woman from New Jersey died after her Casely Power Pods 5000 mAh MagSafe charger caught fire, prompting a new recall of roughly 429,000 units.
- The recall expands an earlier 2025 action; additional reports of overheating, expansion, or ignition have risen from 51 to 79, including the fatal incident.
- Affected chargers carry model number “E33A” and are sold online for $30‑$70; users must stop using them immediately and request a free replacement.
- Consumers must submit photos of the front and back, write “Recalled” on the front, and dispose of the lithium‑ion battery through hazardous‑waste programs.
- Casely offers a toll‑free hotline (888‑964‑9331) and email ([email protected]) for assistance; the company emphasizes proper battery disposal to prevent environmental hazards.
Recall Overview
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Casely jointly announced the expanded recall on April 16, 2026, covering approximately 429,000 Casely Power Pods 5000 mAh portable MagSafe wireless chargers. The action follows a previous recall in April 2025 that addressed similar safety concerns. Since the initial recall, the CPSC has logged 28 new consumer complaints, among which one tragic fatality stands out. The recalled devices were marketed and sold through Casely’s website, Amazon, and other online retailers between March 22 and September 2024, priced between $30 and $70. The recalled units are identified by the “E33A” imprint on the back and the “Casely” engraving on the front right side.
Details of Incident
The most heartbreaking report involves a 75‑year‑old woman from New Jersey who was using the charger in August 2024 when it ignited, exploded, and caused second‑ and third‑degree burns. She was hospitalized and later succumbed to her injuries, as confirmed by the CPSC report. A second incident occurred in February 2026, when a 47‑year‑old passenger’s charger erupted on an airplane, resulting in first‑degree burns but no life‑threatening injuries. Both events underscore the serious risk of thermal runaway in these portable power banks, which can lead to fire, explosion, and severe personal injury if not addressed promptly. Product Identification
The specific product in question is the Casely Power Pods 5000 mAh portable MagSafe wireless phone charger. The model designation “E33A” is printed on the rear of the unit, while the brand name “Casely” is etched on the front right side. These chargers are designed to attach magnetically to MagSafe‑compatible smartphones and other devices, offering a convenient wireless charging solution. However, the internal lithium‑ion battery and circuitry have demonstrated a propensity to overheat, expand, or ignite under certain conditions, prompting the need for immediate consumer action.
Remediation Steps
Consumers who possess any of the recalled chargers are advised to cease usage immediately. To obtain a free replacement, owners must visit the dedicated recall portal at getcasely.com/pages/2025-recall, complete an online form, and upload two photographs of the charger—one showing the front and another showing the back. Prior to photographing, the word “Recalled” along with the date must be written permanently on the front of the device. After submission, the unit should be disposed of in accordance with local, state, and federal hazardous‑waste regulations; it must not be placed in regular trash or standard recycling streams.
Safety Regulations
Lithium‑ion batteries, such as those embedded in the Casely Power Pods, are classified as hazardous waste due to their potential to cause fire or chemical leaks if mishandled. Many municipalities operate household hazardous waste collection centers that accept such batteries, ensuring they are processed safely. Consumers are encouraged to contact their local waste management authority to locate the nearest acceptable disposal site. Improper disposal—such as tossing the battery into regular trash or conventional recycling—poses additional environmental and safety risks, underscoring the importance of following prescribed procedures.
Contact Information
For further assistance, Casely maintains a customer support line at 888‑964‑9331, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Alternatively, users can email the company at [email protected] to inquire about replacement processes, request additional guidance on safe disposal, or report additional incidents. The company’s responsive approach aims to facilitate a swift and safe resolution for all affected customers while reinforcing its commitment to product safety.
Broader Context
The Casely charger recall is part of a larger pattern of safety issues associated with portable power banks and wireless charging accessories. Over the past several years, numerous manufacturers have issued similar recalls due to overheating, fire, or explosion risks linked to lithium‑ion technology. Industry experts advise consumers to purchase charging devices only from reputable sources, verify that they carry proper safety certifications, and avoid using damaged or counterfeit accessories. By staying informed about recall notices and adhering to recommended disposal practices, users can help mitigate the risks inherent in modern portable electronics and protect both personal safety and the environment.