E-bike battery explosion in multi-story unit block - Sydney
Published: 11 Jul 2024 09:30am
Seven people have been treated for smoke inhalation after a lithium-ion battery from an e-bike exploded in a unit in Sydney overnight.
Seven Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) trucks and 28 firefighters responded to an initial automatic fire alarm in a 26-storey unit block in George Street around 11.50pm.
A battery was charging in the lounge room of a unit on the sixth floor when it exploded and caught fire.
The occupants managed to escape and the automatic sprinkler system extinguished the fire.
FRNSW evacuated an additional 80-100 people from the premises as a precaution however they were allowed to return a short time later.
The occupants of the unit were treated on scene by NSW Ambulance for smoke inhalation but were not transported to hospital.
FRNSW is reminding people to ensure safe practices are adhered to when charging lithium-ion batteries including:
- Always charge larger devices, such as e-bikes, e-scooters and power tools, away from living spaces and exits.
- Never sleep or leave home with your lithium-ion battery devices charging.
- Once a device has recharged fully, disconnect it from the charger.
- Never leave devices charging on beds, sofas or around combustible materials.
- Use a replacement battery or charger from the manufacturer and never ‘mix and match’ components.
- Beware of cheap, substandard lithium-ion battery devices.
- Do not touch a device or lithium-ion battery that is emitting vapour or gas, or is on fire. Immediately evacuate the area and call Triple Zero (000).
Updated: 11 Jul 2024 09:34am
Related safety topics
It's important that we all understand the risks of lithium-ion batteries and be prepared if things go wrong.
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
The best way to keep you and your family safe is to prevent fires from occurring and know what to do in case of a fire.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
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