E-bike with modified lithium-ion battery behind unit fire that injured man
A charging e-bike with a modified battery burst into flames at a unit in Sydney this morning, injuring a man and sparking serious safety concerns.
At least 40 residents were forced to evacuate a 10-storey building on French Avenue in Bankstown about 6.30am after an e-bike caught fire in a unit.
The building's sprinkler system helped contain the flames coming from the third floor as firefighters arrived to extinguish the blaze and clear the smoke from the building.
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A unit caught on fire at Bankstown this morning. Nine
Fire and Rescue NSW said one of the four unit occupants - a 30-year-old man - had attempted to move the e-bike and suffered a burn to his hand.
He was taken to Bankstown Hospital for further medical treatment. No other injuries were reported.
Since the blaze, firefighters have determined the e-bike was plugged in and charging when it caught on fire.
The lithium-ion battery had also been modified and "explosive" projectiles had fired out of the battery around the unit.
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A 30-year-old man had attempted to move the e-bike and suffered a burn to his hand. Nine
"Lithium-ion batteries that are compromised can go into a process known as thermal runaway, which can create toxic and flammable vapours, triggering an explosion or an otherwise life-threatening situation for those nearby," Acting Superintendent Mathew Sigmund.
Sigmund said it was fortunate the situation did not have a worse outcome.
He reiterated to not leave lithium-ion batteries on charge after they've reached capacity and not to charge batteries near building exits, on or near combustible surfaces or while people are sleeping.
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Projectiles fired from the e-bike and were found around the unit. Nine
Apartment residents told 9News earlier today they were shocked by the early-morning wake-up call.
"We saw flames, people screaming, we opened up the door and the corridor was filled with smoke," Sarah Zaman said.
"We thought there was an explosion," another said.
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