4 killed in fire at e-bike store filled with lithium batteries.

Tragic Fire at E-Bike Shop Claims Four Lives

A devastating fire broke out at a bustling e-bike shop in New York City, resulting in the loss of four lives early Tuesday morning. This incident marks yet another deadly blaze caused by exploding lithium-ion batteries.

The fire, which was reported shortly after midnight, originated from a shop that had previously been cited for safety violations related to the storage and charging of batteries, according to officials.

Outside the shop, HQ E-Bike Repair, located on the ground floor of a six-story building in Manhattan’s Chinatown neighborhood, a heap of charred bikes, scooters, and debris lay on the sidewalk.

Alarming Statistics

Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh revealed that this year alone, the city has witnessed over 100 fires and 13 deaths caused by battery explosions. The magnitude of the incident was evident from the large number of batteries and e-bikes present at the scene.

“This location is known to the fire department. We have written violations at this location before and we have conducted enforcement at this location before.”

Tragically, two men and two women lost their lives in the fire, while two other women were hospitalized in critical condition. Additionally, a bike store filled with lithium batteries.”>firefighter sustained minor injuries.

While it is evident that the fire was caused by lithium-ion batteries, Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn stated that the exact cause is still under investigation.

Prior Safety Violations

According to Flynn, the shop had been inspected in August of last year and was subsequently cited for safety violations related to battery charging, the number of batteries on-site, and the electrical system. The shop faced a fine of $1,600. Recent surveillance revealed the presence of numerous batteries, although none were being charged at the time.

The owner of the bike shop, Liu, denied that any e-bike batteries were being charged and expressed his shock at the devastating loss.

“The shop has been there for six years. I check before I leave every night. I checked last night, turned off the power besides the ones for the monitor and automatic door.”

As the investigation continues, Liu awaits questioning at the police station.

A Community in Shock

The fire, erupting in the middle of the night, startled the neighborhood. Belal Alayah, a resident, recounted the moment he became aware of the blaze.

“A friend of mine came in and yelled ‘there’s a fire next door.’ I step out. I see the flames so hot it’s going through the metal gate. I knew it was the bike store, so I called the fire department. But the fire kept getting bigger and bigger and it took them a while to stop the fire.”

Electric bikes have gained popularity as a non-gasoline-powered mode of transportation in the city. However, their reliance on lithium-ion batteries has been linked to numerous fires.

Previous incidents in the city have resulted in the loss of lives, including two children in April and over three dozen injuries in a November fire. Fire officials have issued warnings and safety tips, and the city has implemented new regulations to prevent battery fires.

“This exact scenario where there’s an e-bike store on the first floor and residences above and the volume of fire created by these lithium-ion batteries is incredibly deadly.”

Experts explain that lithium-ion batteries can catch fire due to their flammable electrolyte solution, which facilitates the flow of electrical current. Similar incidents have occurred with laptops, cellphones, and other devices.

The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.

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