Key PointsA defective e-bike battery has sparked a fireplace that engulfed a Sydney beachside residence block.4 individuals, who have been asleep within the residence, have been safely evacuated however have misplaced all their possessions.Authorities have re-issued a warning that defective or over-charged lithium-ion batteries pose a critical security threat.
A number of individuals have been fortunate to flee with their lives after a defective e-bike battery sparked a fireplace that engulfed a Sydney beachside residence block.
The e-bike had been left on to cost in a bed room in a single day, prompting warnings from hearth authorities of the dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries.
4 individuals from South America have been asleep contained in the North Bondi unit when the blaze broke out shortly earlier than 4 am on Friday, Hearth and Rescue NSW (FRNSW ) mentioned.
The group misplaced all their private possessions – together with passports, telephones and financial institution data – with the residence largely gutted by the hearth.
One of many 4 was woken by the sound of small explosions and alerted the others earlier than fleeing the smoke-filled constructing.
Two of the group have been compelled to flee via a window, whereas 14 individuals from adjoining items have been additionally evacuated as a precaution.
Hearth crews attended the scene and rapidly extinguished the hearth, containing the harm to the unit wherein the blaze began.
The constructing’s automated hearth door was activated, serving to restrict the unfold of fireplace and smoke via the constructing, which was fitted with working smoke alarms.
Hearth authorities issued a renewed warning that defective or over-charged .
The batteries can explode, inflicting intense fires which can be extraordinarily troublesome to extinguish and are liable to re-igniting.
FRNSW suggested individuals to decide on respected and suitable lithium-ion battery manufacturers and keep away from over-charging gadgets whereas asleep or away from dwelling.