A total of 38 people were injured as a consequence of a fire caused by a lithium battery of an electric bicycle in the New York neighborhood of Manhattanreported the New York Fire Department.
At least two of the affected people are in critical condition Y five are seriouspointed out the commissioner of the Fire Department, Laura Kavanagh.
In a briefing they detailed that the firefighters received a call shortly after 10:00 local time, for a fire unleashed on the twentieth floor of the block of flats that set off three alarms, according to the NBC.
Several people collected images of the dense smoke coming out of one of the apartments in building number 429 52nd Streetin Manhattan, as well as the spectacular rescue by the facade of a woman, by means of a rope attached to the roof of the building.
Neighbors described the scene as one of great confusion and uncertainty, which began at 10 a.m. with a strong smell of smoke. Half an hour later, an explosion generated the breaking of windows and glass that exploded everywhere.
Residents who lived above the 20th floor, where the fire was, were evacuated to the roof. The New York Police Department sent a helicopterbut no rescues were made with it.
Speaking to the media, the fire chief Daniel E Flynn assured that on the same floor there were several electric bikes and that the resident of the apartment was dedicated to fixing them.
At this time, they are investigating whether his business was legal.
Flynn recalled that so far this year they have registered 200 fires caused by lithium batteries in which six people have died.
The authorities have repeatedly repeated the dangers of these batteries and have launched campaigns to raise public awareness.
According to specialists, these batteries, when overcharged, can cause a flare effectwhich is not an explosion, but does generate flames.
Last September, the New York District Attorney launched a campaign to distribute information brochures in several languages with recommendations for loading, storage and maintenance, after they were registered in 2021 4 dead and 79 wounded from fires caused by these batteries.
The prosecutor’s office then warned that the batteries of the electric bicycles used by thousands of home delivery men, being lithium-ion and having a greater energy storage capacity, “are more likely to catch fire than a traditional battery.”
(With information from EFE)
Keep reading:
New York must reinstate officials who were fired for not getting vaccinated against COVID-19
Overdose deaths increased 68% in New York during the pandemic
The New York Stock Exchange continues its positive streak and closed with gains again
Source-www.infobae.com