A woman from Croydon Park, Adelaide, has been left homeless following a catastrophic fire believed to have been initiated by a malfunctioning e-bike charger. The incident occurred around 9.20 am, resulting in significant damage estimated at $350,000.
Michelle Sant, the resident, managed to escape the inferno with her dog, although she lost most of her belongings. Describing her ordeal, she stated, “I just walked out and everything was on fire.” Eyewitness accounts suggest that the fire ignited in the kitchen where the e-bike was charging.
Darren Scott from the Metropolitan Fire Service reported that the blaze erupted so suddenly it “just all of a sudden exploded.” Michelle recalled the panic, saying, “I saw flames and everything and then it was up.”
Fortunately, two other residents from a nearby unit were also evacuated safely. The quick response was aided by functioning smoke alarms, which alerted residents to the danger and enabled them to call emergency services promptly.
This unfortunate incident highlights the potential risks associated with charging electric bikes, emphasizing the importance of fire safety measures in households.