A serious house fire in Hackney believed to be caused by an e-bike battery failure, has left a woman critically injured after jumping from a window to escape.
The blaze destroyed most of the three-story house, prompting the London Fire Brigade to issue a warning regarding e-bike safety.
Assistant Commissioner Charlie Pugsley urged owners not to store or charge e-bikes in escape routes, emphasising the ferocity and rapid spread of lithium battery fires.
The incident follows a recent e-bike battery fire in Harringay, contributing to a concerning trend, with 150 e-bike and 28 e-scooter fires in 2023 – a 53% increase from 2022.
The Brigade urges caution in e-bike purchases, advocating for reputable sellers and proper usage to mitigate fire risks.