A fatal fire in Western Sydney has raised fresh concerns about the safety of lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes, following the death of Pakistani student.
Haider Ali, a food delivery rider, lost his life when his e-bike battery exploded while he was asleep in his shared accommodation.
Emergency crews arrived immediately and managed to contain the blaze to a single room, but Ali was unable to escape.
Hamid Saroha has urged the public to avoid low-quality e-bikes and chargers powered by lithium batteries, citing the growing number of such incidents.
“These fires are becoming increasingly common and can be deadly,” President of the Pakistan Association of Australia, said.
Neighbours described the scene as terrifying, with one witness recalling an explosion, thick smoke, and a man on fire at the front of the house.
Authorities report a surge in lithium battery fires, with 28 incidents in New South Wales this year alone.
Experts are calling for stricter safety regulations on e-bikes and chargers to prevent further tragedies.