Aussie man in critical condition after robot vacuum explodes in freak accident

By ASHLEY NICKEL, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 15:13, 6 July 2026 | Updated: 15:24, 6 July 2026 A young man has suffered burns to 75 per cent of his body in a suspected robot vacuum explosion. Lachie Perrem, 25, was burned by fire in the kitchen of his home in Brabham, northeast Perth, on Thursday afternoon. He was rushed to Fiona Stanley Hospital and, as of Monday night, remains in a critical condition. Mr Perrem had to be sedated and has undergone multiple emergency operations. His mother, Fiona Perrem, said their lives have been 'turned upside down' by the 'tragic explosion'. 'He suffered burns to approximately 75 per cent of his body and is currently under sedation in hospital,' she wrote. 'He is facing an incredibly long road ahead, with multiple surgeries, extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and months of recovery.' Investigators believe the fire was caused by a fault in a robotic vacuum, 7News reported. Lachie Perrem (above) suffered burns to 75 per cent of his body in a house fire in Perth on Thursday afternoon Damage (above) affected the home's kitchen and living room, making it unliveable Investigators believe the explosion was caused by a robotic vacuum (stock image) Damage from the fire spread into the home's living room and windows were damaged by the explosion.  Ms Perrem plans to travel from Queensland to her son's bedside in Perth on Tuesday. She claimed Mr Perrem's home was uninhabitable for the time being.   'The explosion has also left Lachie, his fiancée, and their housemates without a home,' she said. 'Along with his long road to recovery, they now face the heartbreaking task of rebuilding their lives from scratch.' Ms Perrem has opened a GoFundMe to help cover expenses from the incident. It raised over $17,000 within the first 48 hours.  'Donations will help with living expenses, housing, and essential costs during this incredibly difficult time,' Ms Perrem said. 'From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers.  'Every message of support gives our family strength during the hardest time of our lives.'