This is the moment an electric bike’s lithium battery exploded inside a house, setting fire to south-east London.
The force of the explosion was so great that it blew off the doors of the house in Catford.
According to the brigade, the fire started when the battery of an electric bicycle was being charged at the house.
It was a normal pedal bike that had a lithium-ion battery installed, which was bought second-hand online.
Saturday’s fire was fought by 60 London Fire Brigade firefighters accompanied by eight vehicles, and three people were taken to hospital for treatment for injuries and smoke inhalation.
LFB added that this shows the dangers of unregulated sales of e-bikes.
The video shows that the force of the explosion is so great that it blew off the doors of the house in Catford, according to neighbors
The fire on Saturday was fought by 60 firefighters accompanied by eight vehicles
The fire was started by an electric bicycle batter charging at the house, according to the London Fire Brigade.
The charger used was generic and not specific to the battery pack.
The fire was captured on video by neighbor Andrew Bowker’s doorbell camera.
Bowker said he had never seen a fire like this and said, “The explosion blew the doors off.”
The 40-year-old said: ‘I had blown up pieces of brick in my driveway and all along the street. “The damage was incredible.”
Adding: ‘Those electric bikes are dangerous. It’s terrifying what can happen… and so quickly.’
The fire illuminated the dark winter night in the southeast London neighborhood, as doorbell images show.
Around 60 London firefighters accompanied by eight vehicles were sent to the scene to fight the fire.
It was a normal pedal bike with a lithium-ion battery installed, which was purchased second-hand online.
The aftermath of arson following an electric bike battery explosion in Catford, south-east London
The scene after the south-east London apartment fire which started after an electric bike battery exploded
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Field said: “This was a devastating fire which destroyed most of a family home.” It’s fortunate that no lives were lost.’
DAC Field said: “The harsh reality is that some of these vehicles are proving to be incredibly dangerous and are at increased risk of malfunctioning.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner (DAC) Richard Field said: “This was a devastating fire which destroyed most of a family home. “It is fortunate that no lives were lost.
“The harsh reality is that some of these vehicles are proving to be incredibly dangerous and are at greater risk of malfunctioning.
‘In particular, if they have been modified, equipped or converted with second-hand products or if the batteries are used with incorrect chargers.
‘We always recommend purchasing items from a trusted seller where, at this time, a product is more likely to meet safety standards.
“If you’re thinking about buying an electric bike or electric scooter for yourself or a loved one for Christmas and you see a deal online that seems too good to be true, it probably is.”