A woman sustained serious injuries after jumping from a third-floor balcony to evade a fire caused by an e-bike battery in Lewisham, southeast London. The incident occurred around 11:15 BST on Sunday at a residence located on Reculver Road.
According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), the fire was likely triggered by a catastrophic failure of an e-bike battery that had been charging in the hallway for approximately 12 hours. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Field emphasized the importance of maintaining clear escape routes and advised against charging e-bikes or e-scooters in areas that could obstruct exits, such as hallways or near front doors.
„This incident highlights why you should always ensure your escape route is clear and why we recommend to never charge your e-bike or e-scooter on your means of escape, such as a hallway or by your front door,“ Field stated.
He further noted that while working smoke alarms effectively alerted the residents to the fire, the woman found herself trapped in a bedroom as smoke began to fill the space. In a desperate attempt to escape, she chose to leap from the balcony, resulting in significant injuries from the three-story fall.
Firefighters also rescued a man at the scene who was treated for smoke inhalation. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes, preventing further damage.
Last year, London reported a record 206 e-bike fires, and in 2023 alone, there have already been over 30 incidents. The LFB warns that lithium batteries can pose serious risks if they overheat, are crushed, penetrated, or overcharged, leading to potential fires or explosions.
- The brigade advises consumers to purchase batteries from reputable sources.
- Avoid mismatching chargers with batteries.
- Never charge batteries while unattended or while sleeping.
As the number of e-bike and e-scooter fires continues to rise, safety precautions are more critical than ever to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Bildquelle: Foto von Georg Eiermann auf Unsplash
