Electronic vehicles such as e-scooters and e-bikes may prove irresistibly convenient, but they should be owned with a huge grain of precaution:
Technologically advanced as they may be, it appears that they’re a tad bit vulnerable where the charging part’s concerned.
SCDF Officers Carried Out 2 People in Yishun Flat That Caught Fire Due to E-Bike
According to a Facebook post by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), e-Bikes may have been at it again.
Though this time, it’s not so much of their presence on the road that’s a hindrance, as it is of their charging sequence back at home.
According to the post, a fire broke out at around 9:45 a.m. today, in a 4th floor unit of Block 424A Yishun Ave 11.
The fire was extinguished using a hosereel.
During the operation, firefighters discovered one occupant in the bedroom, and another in the toilet. They were both carried out from the unit.
Apparently, one suffered burn injuries, and was subsequently sent to Singapore General Hospital. The other was checked for smoke inhalation injuries, but purportedly rejected deliverance to the hospital.
Patients who suffered smoke inhalation or severe burn wounds, but are in a stable condition, are reportedly referred to Singapore General Hospital’s specialised Burn Centre instead of the closest hospital.
Incidentally, around 40 residents self-evacuated themselves from the unit before the SCDF showed up.
Fire Was Of Electrical Origin
Contrary to what Marvel conspiracy theorists may speculate at this point, the fire was not caused by Electro.
Rather, it seems to have been caused by one of Electro’s other well-known counterparts.
According to the SCDF, preliminary investigations have revealed the possible cause of the fire: A Power-Assisted Bicycle (PAB) which was charging at the time of the incident.
It’s unclear, however, how the exact sequence of events ran.
SCDF has since posted a guideline pertaining to the dos and don’ts for PMDs and PABs.
Meanwhile, Netizens have voiced their displeasure over the incident, with some pointing the finger at the two occupants in question.
A few, however, chose to prioritise the order of things.
Previous Instances
In May this year, a fire broke out in another HDB flat in Yishun, with the cause determined to be a charging electric bicycle battery.
The blaze was extinguished by a neighbour of the flat, with the help of a hosereel.
And in July last year (2019), another fire broke out at an HDB block in Boon Lay, with the cause determined, yet again, to be a charging power-assisted bike (PAB).
Apparently, a resident had opted to charge his PAB in the public area, instead of his flat.
Similarly, it appears that the phenomenon is prevalent overseas.
According to Bicycling.com, a fiery phenomenon known as thermal runaway causes battery fires.
It happens when the battery’s cells creep to an intense temperature, which results in spontaneous combustion.
Featured Image: Facebook (Singapore Civil Defence Force)
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