A family of nine, including seven children, miraculously escaped unharmed after an exploding e-bike sparked a devastating fire that razed their home in Hebersham, western Sydney.
The blaze, which began shortly after midnight on Wednesday, was described by Fire and Rescue NSW Acting Superintendent Peter Murray as "a very intense fire." Flames were seen shooting from the roof, windows, and sides of the house.
Eyewitness accounts
Neighbors reported hearing a loud bang followed by several explosions before the house was engulfed in flames. The family fled with only the clothes on their backs, shocked but physically unscathed.
A family member told 9News: "It was completely ablaze... I think we were all pretty lucky that nobody was hurt... lucky to get all the kids out."
Community response
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by a family friend, and the local rugby club is collecting donations of clothes and food for the family.
