This feels very much like something was wrong prior to charging. Batteries don't go up in flames randomly, it's charging when something is wrong that causes it.
I've moved to life batteries as they just seem a battery tech overall than lipo, you lose a little power density but gain stability and a bit of safety back. (But should still treat them like a hazard)
Based on the amount of cars I've heard being driven around screaming something is wrong (especially brakes) it's seems like people do forgot to check details when it's obvious even now days. (Not saying your father did but as a country people do seem to not take safety as important)