The popularity of Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) and e-bikes remains at an all-time high, especially among delivery riders.
While they provide convenience, these devices can also endanger others if the user is not careful.
This proved to be true when an e-bike caught fire on Sunday (19 Feb) evening.
The incident took place along Bedok North Drive in Bedok Central. It was just a short distance away from Bedok Mall.
In a video uploaded to the ROADS.sg Facebook page, the e-bike could be seen engulfed in flames as people looked on.
Popping noises could be heard as several parts of the e-bike exploded, and the fire got bigger.
Source: Facebook
Other footage of the incident shows firefighters from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responding to the fire.
Source: TikTok
An eyewitness to the incident, Mr Muhammad Iqmal, posted several clips of the blaze on his Facebook page.
A food delivery rider was on the phone and stood next to the fire.
Source: Facebook
A man in a purple t-shirt was also seen trying to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher before help arrived. He backed off, however, when the flames got bigger.
Source: Facebook
Speaking to MS News, Mr Iqmal shared that the fire happened around 6.54pm. He happened to be in the vicinity when he chanced upon the fire.
He said fire responders from SCDF arrived at about 7pm. “They had to use a special fire extinguisher to bring down the flames, but there were still remnants.”
“Finally, the whole team came as the first responders [were] unable to completely wipe out the fire.”
Source: Facebook
Thankfully, no one seems to be injured.
Responding to queries from MS News, SCDF confirmed that it was alerted to a fire along Bedok North Street 1 involving a PMD.
Firefighters extinguished the fire using a compressed air foam backpack, and there were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
This case highlights the importance of guarding against possible fire hazards if you are a PMD or e-bike user. PMD fires are often due to battery short-circuits, so here are some things users should avoid:
Here’s a handy infographic courtesy of SCDF:
Should you find yourself faced with a PMD fire, make sure to get yourself and the people around you to a safe location before calling 995.
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at hello@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Facebook.
Authorities had to use equipment to pry the vehicle open to free the man.
The authorities have investigated and closed the incident with no follow-ups required, MFA said.
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