According to a report, eight people died in a fire at an electric bike showroom in Hyderabad, while seven others were injured and taken to hospitals in the areas. While the police are probing the exact cause of the fire, it is feared that the incident could have been caused by an electric bike. If proven true, this will not be the only incident of e-bike catching fire in India. In the past, several other similar incidents have been reported, prompting the government to investigate in detail incidents related to fires in electric vehicles.
The incident took place at an electric bike showroom located under Hotel Ruby Pride in Hyderabad. According to a PTI report, eight people died while seven others were injured in the midnight fire incident. Most of the victims were reported to have suffocated.
After the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao have announced financial tributes from the central and state governments for the families of the deceased.
The fire brigade is yet to investigate whether the fire started due to short circuit or charging of batteries in the basement or on the first floor. As per reports, Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand said, “The basement, which should normally be used for parking, apparently they are doing something else. It is a matter of investigation.”
In the past, several other e-bike fire incidents have been reported and covered. In July, seven electric bikes kept in a showroom in Maharashtra were reported to have been burnt in a fire. This incident was a result of overcharging.
Back in April, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari urged companies to take advance action to recall all defective vehicles, even if there is some problem with EV batteries when the temperature rises in the months of March, April and May.
