A terrifying blaze erupted in a London residential block, sending flames and thick smoke billowing into the night sky, with early reports pointing to an overcharged e-bike battery as the likely cause.
Firefighters battled the intense inferno for hours as panicked residents were evacuated from the multi-storey building. Dramatic footage captured orange flames engulfing upper floors while plumes of toxic smoke drifted across the city skyline.
Battery Safety Crisis
The incident has reignited urgent warnings about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and scooters, which have been responsible for a sharp increase in fires across the UK capital. London Fire Brigade officials confirmed they are investigating whether an improperly charged battery sparked this latest disaster.
"These batteries can become deadly when left charging unattended or with incompatible chargers," explained a fire safety officer at the scene. "We're seeing more of these incidents as e-bikes grow in popularity."
Residents' Harrowing Escape
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as occupants fled the burning building. "I heard screaming and then saw flames shooting from the windows," said neighbour Jamila Patel. "People were running out in their pyjamas - it was absolutely terrifying."
Emergency services reported several residents treated for smoke inhalation, though miraculously no serious injuries were recorded. The affected flats suffered extensive damage, leaving multiple families temporarily displaced.
Official Safety Advice
Authorities issued renewed guidance for e-bike and e-scooter owners:
- Never leave batteries charging overnight or unattended
- Always use manufacturer-approved chargers
- Avoid charging near flammable materials
- Never modify or tamper with batteries
- Look for UKCA or CE safety marks
The London Fire Brigade urged all residents to ensure they have working smoke alarms and to test them weekly. This blaze marks the latest in a series of battery-related fires that have prompted calls for stricter safety regulations.
