A recent incident at a hawker centre in Bukit Merah has been making headlines due to the viral footage of an e-bike bursting into flames. The video, which was posted on the SG Road Vigilante Facebook page, shows the e-bike parked near three seated individuals before it suddenly burst into flames. The fire quickly spread, causing several nearby objects to catch fire and resulting in several explosions.
According to Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), the fire involved a Power Assisted Bicycle (PAB) parked near a market stall on the ground floor. The fire likely originated from the battery pack of the PAB, and SCDF suspects that it was caused by the battery being left to charge for a prolonged period. In light of the incident, SCDF has urged the public to not leave batteries or devices charging for an extended period or charging them unattended overnight.
SCDF said:
At about 5:35pm 19march2024, SCDF was alerted to a fire at the abovementioned location.
The fire involved a Power Assisted Bicycle (PAB) that was parked near a market stall on the ground floor. The fire was extinguished by firefighters from Central Fire Station with a water jet. As a result of the fire, three stalls sustained fire and smoke damage. There were no reported injuries. Preliminary investigation indicates that the fire had likely originated from the battery pack of the PAB. To prevent PAB fires, the public is reminded not to leave batteries or devices charging for a prolonged period or charging them unattended overnight. In addition, do not purchase or use non-original batteries.
The video of the incident has been widely shared on social media, with many expressing shock and concern over the incident. The incident underscores the need for proper handling and usage of mobility devices, especially when it comes to charging their batteries. The public is reminded to be cautious when charging their devices and to follow safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
It is important to note that the use of e-bikes and other personal mobility devices (PMDs) has become increasingly popular in Singapore in recent years. However, this has also led to a rise in accidents and incidents related to these devices. As such, the government has implemented several measures to regulate the use of these devices, including mandatory safety inspections and the introduction of speed limits.
In conclusion, the viral video of the e-bike fire at Bukit Merah highlights the importance of proper handling and usage of mobility devices. It is crucial for the public to follow safety guidelines and take necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents from happening. With the increasing use of these devices, it is crucial for both the government and the public to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of all road users.