Manchester: Terrifying moment electric bike causes explosion

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The fire service said two people were taken to hospital for what they described as “precautionary checks” in the aftermath of the incident in Oldham, reports the Manchester Evening News.

No further details about them, or an update on their condition, have been released at this time.

The footage shows the window’s glass exploding out onto the street. Other debris is also shown popping and fizzing out from the window. It’s said to be the second similar incident involving electric bikes being charged in Greater Manchester following another fire in central Manchester in August.

In a statement, the fire service said: “Footage released by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) shows the devastating impact of a fire involving modified electric bike batteries. The video, caught on a nearby doorbell camera, shows the front window of a house in Failsworth being blown out following a fire caused by a number of modified electric bikes.

“At 5.52am on Sunday 20 November 2022, three fire engines from Hollins, Manchester Central and Philips Park fire stations responded to the fire involving the living room of a terraced house and firefighters used two breathing apparatus and one hose reel to extinguish it.

“Two casualties were assessed at the scene by paramedics before being conveyed to hospital for precautionary checks. Greater Manchester residents are being warned to be careful when buying, storing and charging electric bikes.

“The warning comes following a similar incident in August this year where a fire – that was most likely caused by an electric bike being charged – caused significant damage to a property in Manchester. Firefighters from Withington and Gorton were on scene for five hours as they put out the fire.”

GMFRS’s head of prevention, Area Manager Billy Fenwick, said: “This incident shows the devastating effects that a fire involving an electric bike battery can have.

“Batteries can be a fire risk if they’re over-charged, short-circuited, or damaged, so it’s important to protect them against being damaged and to charge them safely. By following our advice on the storage and charging of electric bikes and scooters, Greater Manchester residents can help to keep themselves safe from fire.”

E-bike safety tips

• If you are buying an electric bike or scooter, remember to buy them, as well as chargers and batteries, from reputable retailers.
• If you’re buying an electric bike conversion kit, purchase from a reputable seller and check that it complies with British or European standards.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storing your electric bike/scooter.
• Fit smoke or heat detection in the room where you charge or store your electric bike/scooter.
• Store electric bikes/scooters and their batteries in a cool place. Avoid excessively hot or cold places.
• Always use the manufacturer-approved charger for the product.
• Don’t overcharge and always unplug your charger when it’s finished charging.
• Don’t leave batteries to charge while you are asleep or away from the home.
• Don’t charge batteries or store your electric bike/scooter near combustible or flammable materials.

In the event of an electric bike/scooter or lithium-ion battery fire – do not attempt to extinguish the fire. Get out, stay out, call 999.

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