Terrifying footage shows the moment a blaze from an e-bike ripped through a house in just seconds leaving three people narrowly escaping with their lives.
Neighbours said the force of the explosion from a battery on the bike was so intense it blew the doors off the home in Catford, south east London.
A doorbell camera from across the road captured the flames spreading with fearsome speed before engulfing the property as emergency crews arrived to tackle the flames.
More than 60 firefighters with eight engines worked on the inferno on Saturday, and three people were rescued and taken to hospital for treatment for injuries and smoke inhalation.
The flames were started by an e-bike battery on charge in the home, according to London Fire Brigade (LFB) – who say it shows the dangers of unregulated e-bike sales.
LFB confirmed the e-bike was a normal pedal bike that had a lithium-ion battery fitted, which had been purchased online second-hand. The charger being used was generic and not specific to the battery pack.
Neighbour Andrew Bowker’s doorbell camera captured the blaze as it spread in seconds through the house across the road.
Mr Bowker, 40, said: “I’d never seen a fire like it – the explosion blew off the doors. It had blown bits of brick onto my driveway and all the way down the street. The damage was unbelievable.”
Andrew, co-founder of wedding photography and videography platform Wedissimo, added: “Those e-bikes are dangerous. It’s terrifying what can happen – and so quickly.”
Deputy assistant commissioner Richard Field said: “This was a devastating fire that has destroyed most of a family home. It’s fortunate that no lives have been lost.
“The stark reality is that some of these vehicles are proving to be incredibly dangerous and are at greater risk of malfunctioning. Particularly if they’ve been modified, fitted or converted with second-hand products or if the batteries are used with the incorrect chargers.
“We always recommend purchasing items from a reputable high-street seller where, at this time, a product is more likely to meet safety standards.
“If you’re planning on buying an e-bike or e-scooter for yourself or a loved one for Christmas and you see an offer online that seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
