Five Treated for Smoke Inhalation After Converted E-Bike Sparks London Tower Blaze
Five people, including a child, were treated for smoke inhalation after a fire broke out in a high-rise block in west London. The blaze is believed to have been caused by a faulty converted e-bike battery.
Fire Rips Through Hammersmith Tower Block
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) rushed to an 18-floor block on Great Church Lane, Hammersmith, at 8.42pm on Thursday night. Firefighters tackled the blaze, bringing it under control by 10.30pm. Five fire engines and around 30 firefighters from Kensington, Fulham, Chiswick, and nearby stations battled the fire.
Three adults trapped on the fifth and sixth floors were rescued and treated for smoke inhalation before being taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service. A woman and a child were treated at the scene.
Converted E-Bike Battery Ignites Fire
The LFB confirmed that half of an e-bike on the fifth floor was damaged by fire. Officials say the blaze was sparked by the failure of a battery pack on a converted e-bike that was charging at the time.
E-Bike Safety Warning From Fire Experts
An LFB spokesperson warned: “E-bikes and e-scooters are London’s fastest-growing fire risk.”
The fire brigade urges:
- Avoid DIY e-bike conversions using kits bought online — they can be dangerous and increase fire risk.
- Use professionals for bike conversions and buy new batteries from reputable sellers, never second-hand.
- Always use the correct charger, never overcharge, and never leave e-bikes or scooters charging unattended or overnight.
- Never charge e-bikes in escape routes like hallways.
Stay safe and think twice before charging your e-bike indoors!
