Shocking second home EXPLODES when e-bike battery blast blows doorways out and turns house into raging hearth in seconds
This is the moment an e-bike lithium battery exploded inside a home setting a south east London flat ablaze.
The force of the explosion was so great that it blew the doors off the home in Catford, according to neighbours.
The fire on Saturday was tackled by 60 London Fire Brigade firefighters accompanied by eight engines, with three people being taken to hospital for treatment for injuries and smoke inhalation.
The blaze was started by an e-bike battery being charged in the home, according to the brigade.
It was a normal pedal bike which had a lithium-ion battery fitted, which was bought online second hand.
LFB added this shows the dangers of unregulated e-bike sales.
The video shows the force of the explosion is so great that it blew the doors off the home in Catford, according to neighbours.
The fire on Saturday was tackled by 60 firefighters accompanied by eight engines
The blaze was started by an e-bike batter on charge in the home, according to London Fire Brigade
The charger being used was generic and not specific to the battery pack.
The fire was caught on video by neighbour, Andrew Bowker’s doorbell camera.
Mr Bowker said he had never seen a fire like it, saying: ‘The explosion blew off the doors’.
The 40-year-old said: ‘It had blown bits of brick onto my driveway and all the way down the street. The damage was unbelievable.’
Adding: ‘Those e-bikes are dangerous. It’s terrifying what can happen – and so quickly.’
It was a normal pedal bike which had a lithium-ion battery fitted, which was bought online second hand
The aftermath of a fire caused after an e-bike battery exploded in Catford, south east London
Deputy assistant commissioner Richard Field said: ‘This was a devastating fire that has destroyed most of a family home. It’s fortunate that no lives have been lost.
‘The stark reality is that some of these vehicles are proving to be incredibly dangerous and are at greater risk of malfunctioning.
‘Particularly if they’ve been modified, fitted or converted with second-hand products or if the batteries are used with the incorrect chargers.
‘We always recommend purchasing items from a reputable high-street seller where, at this time, a product is more likely to meet safety standards.
‘If you’re planning on buying an e-bike or e-scooter for yourself or a loved one for Christmas and you see an offer online that seems too good to be true, it probably is.’
