Key Points
- A faulty e-bike battery has sparked a fire that engulfed a Sydney beachside apartment block.
- Four people, who were asleep in the apartment, have been safely evacuated but have lost all their possessions.
- Authorities have re-issued a warning that faulty or over-charged lithium-ion batteries pose a serious safety risk.
E-Bike Battery Ignites Fire
Several people have been lucky to escape with their lives after a faulty e-bike battery sparked a fire that engulfed a Sydney beachside apartment block.
Charging Hazards
The e-bike had been left on to charge in a bedroom overnight, prompting warnings from fire authorities of the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries.
Tenants Evacuated in Blaze
Four people from South America were asleep inside the North Bondi unit when the blaze broke out shortly before 4 am on Friday, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) said.
Loss of Possessions
The group lost all their personal possessions – including passports, phones, and bank records – with the apartment largely gutted by the fire.
Residents Alerted by Explosions
One of the four was woken by the sound of small explosions and alerted the others before fleeing the smoke-filled building.
Dramatic Escape
Two of the group were forced to escape through a window, while 14 people from adjoining units were also evacuated as a precaution.
Firefighters Contain the Damage
Fire crews attended the scene and quickly extinguished the fire, containing the damage to the unit in which the blaze started.
Safety Measures in Place
The building’s automatic fire door was activated, helping limit the spread of fire and smoke through the building, which was fitted with working smoke alarms.
Lithium-Ion Battery Warning
Fire authorities issued a renewed warning that faulty or over-charged lithium-ion batteries can explode, causing intense fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish and are at risk of re-igniting.
Safe Charging Practices
FRNSW advised people to choose reputable and compatible lithium-ion battery brands and avoid over-charging devices while asleep or away from home.
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