A significant fire in Munich was caused by an electric scooter or bicycle battery that exploded while charging in an apartment, leading to multiple injuries and extensive damage.
On Friday, a large fire broke out near the German Theatre on Schwanthalerstraße, reportedly triggered by the explosion of an e-scooter or bicycle battery while it was charging in an apartment. The police revealed that the fire quickly spread from the third-floor apartment, where additional batteries were stored, creating a hazardous situation for the residents. Firefighters utilized ladders and escape hoods to rescue numerous individuals trapped in the building amidst the smoke and flames.
In the aftermath, four individuals, including a 22-year-old student from the affected apartment and three others aged 21, 24, and 29 from the same building, were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation. The local authorities have indicated that several apartments are currently uninhabitable due to the fire's destruction. Estimates of the damage caused by the fire are significant, with the police assessing it to be in the range of a medium six-figure sum.
This incident raises safety concerns regarding the charging of electric bike batteries in residential areas, highlighting the need for broader awareness and preventative measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. As electric scooters and bicycles become increasingly common in urban settings, ensuring the safe handling and charging of their batteries is essential to protect both life and property.
