Mum’s kitchen fills with smoke after washing machine explodes mid-cycle

A Scottish Mum says she thought a bomb had gone off at home when her washing machine ‘literally exploded’ mid cycle.

Laura Birrell shared shocking images of the destruction in the kitchen on Sunday, after her Indesit machine ‘blew up’ in Glasgow, and warned people not to go out with their machines on.

The manufacturers are investigating the incident, which Laura said left debris scattered around her kitchen, which was filled with smoke.

The businesswoman took pictures of the scene, which show the bunker top above the washing machine seeming to have imploded. The top cover of the machine has also been blown apart, leaving large chunks of plastic and glass scattered across the floor.

Laura claims the machine drum inside the appliance exploded upwards through her worktop and draining board.

She shared the images on Facebook as a warning to others about leaving their washing machine on when they are not at home.

Laura said: ‘I have often heard don’t leave your washing machine on when you leave the house.

‘Well today I am glad that I did not go out anywhere as my machine literally exploded.

‘With a glass sink drainer unit I thought a bomb had gone off, glass everywhere.

‘That is the machine drum that exploded through the worktop and drainer. Fortunately I was in as smoke started to appear so I quickly switched it off.’

She continued: ‘I will never leave a washing in again when I am out.

‘I can’t even imagine what the outcome would be if myself, Warren or Mark were in the kitchen at the time.’

Dozens of social media users commented on the post and branded the incident ‘scary’.

Kara Mac replied: ‘Good Grief Laura. I’ve not heard of this happening before. Thank god no one was injured.’

Iain Venters added: ‘Oh wow. Didn’t think a washing machine would do that. Scary stuff.’

Laura replied to the comments on Monday, saying: ‘Machine is an Indesit so I will be making the manufacturer aware of this issue.

‘Hoping the insurance company will be on it quickly as my kitchen taps were blown off.’

A spokesman for manufacturers Whirlpool said on Tuesday: ‘Our thoughts are with the residents affected by this incident, and we are investigating the situation.

‘We have spoken to the customer and one of our engineers will visit the property this Wednesday, as we seek to understand what happened as a matter of urgency.’