Four people have died in a fire started by lithium batteries for electric bicycles in New York’s China Town neighborhood. Two other people were seriously injured. This is New York’s 108th fire caused by e-bike batteries this year.
The fire broke out on Tuesday night in a shop that provided the maintenance of e-bikes and scooters. Numerous charred two-wheelers lay in front of the burnt-out shop, as shown in a photo (see below).
The chief of the New York City Fire Department said it was “quite clear” that the fire was caused by lithium-ion batteries and e-bikes. The shopkeeper has previously been summoned for violating safety regulations.
This was New York’s 108th fire caused by e-bike batteries this year. This latest incident has brought the death toll to 13 and the number injured to 66.
There were 44 such fires in 2020, compared to 220 last year. More and more city dwellers are purchasing electric bicycles, especially for the city’s popular delivery services.
Lithium-ion batteries can easily catch fire if they are old, of poor quality, or if charging regulations are not followed. When they catch fire, the intensity of the flames is so high that by the time the fire breaks out it is often already too late.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
