Scene of devastation after inferno at pedicab storage unit

A ground floor unit used to repair and store pedicabs was gutted in a blaze that caused one terrified upstairs neighbour to leap to safety from the first floor.

Six fire engines and about 40 firefighters tackled the fire at the storage unit and workshop in Union Street, Southwark on Saturday.

The ground floor of the property was destroyed. The first floor was damaged by heat and smoke. Three people, including a person who jumped from the first floor, left the property before firefighters arrived. One person was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.

The most likely cause for the fire is believed to be the catastrophic failure of multiple lithium batteries.

Lithium batteries store a significant amount of energy and are much more powerful compared to other types of batteries. If there is overheating, crushing, penetrating or overcharging, then a fault can occur within damaged battery cells which may cause the battery to catch fire and/or explode.

These types of fires are ferocious, shooting out jets and can be extremely hard to extinguish, say fire chiefs.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “Personal light electric vehicles, such as pedicabs, along with e-bikes and e-scooters, can be a fun and sustainable way of getting around London.

“However, e-bikes and e-scooters in particular have become one of London’s fastest-growing fire risks which is why London Fire Brigade has been running its #ChargeSafe awareness campaign.

“From previous investigations, we know many of the fires we’ve attended have involved second-hand vehicles or the bike has been modified using parts bought online. It’s important to get a conversion carried out by a professional or a competent person.

“It’s also important to make sure the conversion kits, batteries and chargers you’re purchasing for the bike is from a reputable seller. There is not the same level of regulation of products for e-bikes and e-scooters sold via online marketplaces when compared to high street shops, so we cannot be confident that products meet the correct safety standards.”

The brigade’s control officers received 21 calls about the fire. The Brigade was called shortly before 5pm and officers mobilised crews from Dowgate, Dockhead, Whitechapel and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was brought under control by around 5.50pm.

Pictured top: The extent of the damage was clear after the fire had been extinguished (Picture: LFB)