A fire broke out in a residence in Kochav Ya’akov, Binyamin, leaving 19 people injured, including a 45-year-old woman in critical condition. The incident was triggered by electric bicycles being charged at the entrance of the building, obstructing the escape route for residents. Infants, toddlers, and older children were among those injured, with a woman in her 40s critically hurt. Medics reported witnessing parents rescuing their children from the blaze in a West Bank settlement.
Emergency response teams from MDA (Magen David Adom) swiftly arrived at the scene, providing medical treatment and evacuating the injured to various hospitals.
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Among the casualties, a young boy sustained 30% second-degree burns, while a man suffered from smoke inhalation, both classified as moderate injuries. Additionally, 16 others, mostly children, suffered minor injuries due to smoke inhalation.
Authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to safety protocols when charging electric bicycles to prevent such devastating incidents in the future. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with improper charging practices, urging vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines.
List of Concerning incidents related to electric bike (e-bike) battery explosions, fires, and their impact on safety-
Tragic Incidents:
In June 2023, a father in Cambridge, UK lost his partner, their eight-year-old daughter, and four-year-old son in a fire caused by an e-bike battery that exploded1.
The family’s two dogs also perished in the blaze.
The father himself suffered prolonged injuries and was in a coma for a month.
He emphasized that he had no idea about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries when he purchased the e-bike battery online.
Safety Measures Needed:
Backed by the charity Electrical Safety First, the grieving father is calling for urgent safety measures.
He advocates for mandatory certification from an independent third party for e-bikes, e-scooters, and batteries to ensure safety.
Currently, companies can self-declare safety without external verification.
Global Impact:
Last year, 11 people died due to fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters, with hundreds injured due to lithium-ion battery fires1.
In New York City alone, over 200 fires were sparked by lithium-ion batteries in 2023, resulting in six fatalities and nearly 150 injuries2.
Legislation and Prevention:
Legislation is crucial to address this crisis promptly.
Similar requirements already exist for high-risk products like fireworks and heavy machinery.
Collaboration with future governments can save lives and prevent further heartache.
