A fire engulfed a pedicab storage unit on Union Street in Southwark, London, likely caused by faulty lithium-ion batteries used in the pedicabs. The blaze required a large emergency response, including six fire engines and 40 firefighters. The fire significantly damaged the ground floor of the building, forcing three people to escape, with one individual jumping from a window to evade the flames. One person was rushed to hospital by the London Ambulance Service (LAS). Fire investigators say the most likely cause of the fire is the catastrophic failure of multiple lithium batteries.

This is the second fire at this site, with a previous incident in 2022. Lithium-ion batteries, especially those used in second-hand or modified e-bikes and e-scooters, have been under increasing scrutiny due to their potential fire risks. The London Fire Brigade issued a statement urging the public to be cautious with such batteries, highlighting the dangers of poor maintenance or tampering.

Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control after several hours. The building’s owners, along with local authorities, are investigating the incident further. The rise in fires caused by e-bike and e-scooter batteries has led to broader concerns about safety regulations and the need for stricter oversight on battery production and use.