A woman suffered a serious injury after she had to jump from a third-floor balcony to escape a fire caused by a suspected e-scooter battery explosion in Lewisham, southeast London. The incident occurred on April 12, where a lithium battery in an e-bike caught fire after being charged for 12 hours, leading to smoke and damage in the flat.
The London Fire Brigade issued a safety warning concerning e-bikes and e-scooters following the incident, emphasizing the importance of safe charging practices. The woman trapped in the burning flat was rescued by firefighters and taken to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and injuries from the fall. Another occupant, a man, was also safely evacuated.
The fire was attributed to the catastrophic failure of the e-bike battery while charging in the hallway. Richard Field, the LFB Deputy Assistant Commissioner, stressed the need for clear escape routes and advised against charging e-vehicles in escape routes. He highlighted the importance of following safety guidelines to prevent such incidents.
The LFB recommended purchasing electric vehicle batteries from reputable sellers to avoid potential risks associated with online or second-hand sources. They also cautioned against using mismatched chargers, overcharging, or leaving the vehicle unattended while charging. E-bikes and scooters have become a growing fire hazard in London, with a significant increase in incidents reported in recent years.
The safety advice provided by the LFB aims to raise awareness and prevent future accidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters. It is crucial for owners and potential buyers to adhere to safety guidelines to protect themselves and others from potential dangers associated with these vehicles.