A woman sustained serious injuries after jumping 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 at a flat on Reculver Road, where a lithium battery caught fire while charging for 12 hours, leading to a “catastrophic failure.”
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) issued a safety advisory for e-bikes and e-scooters following the incident. The fire resulted in smoke filling a bedroom, prompting the woman to leap to safety, assisted by firefighters. She was then taken to a local hospital by paramedics for treatment of smoke inhalation and injuries from the fall, while a man in the residence was safely evacuated by the LFB.
The LFB attributed the fire to the failure of an e-bike battery that had been charging in the hallway for an extended period. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Field emphasized the importance of clear escape routes and advised against charging such devices near potential escape routes.
The LFB highlighted the need to purchase electric vehicle batteries from reputable sources to avoid safety risks associated with online or second-hand purchases. They also cautioned against mismatched chargers, overcharging, and unattended charging of e-bikes and scooters. The incident underscores the increasing fire risks posed by e-bikes and scooters in London, with a record number of incidents reported in recent years.
The LFB urged owners and prospective buyers of these vehicles to follow safety guidelines, such as the #ChargeSafe campaign, to prevent accidents and protect themselves and others.
