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(Trends Wide) — At least 38 people were injured in a fire at a Manhattan apartment building on Saturday morning that authorities believe was caused by the explosion of a lithium-ion battery connected to a micromobility device.
Among the injuries, two were critical, five serious and the rest minor, Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said at a news conference.
Authorities received calls about fire and smoke in the building on East 52nd Street shortly before 10:30 am, the commissioner said. Fire units arrived on the scene in “just over three minutes” after receiving the first reports and found a “serious fire” on the 20th floor of the building, said the assistant deputy chief of the New York Fire Department, (FDNY , for its acronym in English) Frank Leeb, during the press conference.
Two civilians were rescued from the burning apartment, Leeb said. Fire personnel used ropes to perform the rescues, she said.
“Firefighters, EMS and dispatch personnel did an extraordinary job rescuing a number of civilians, including an incredible roof-top rescue,” Kavanagh said, adding that fire personnel worked in “unbelievably dangerous conditions.”
The fire is almost “our 200th fire this year involving a lithium-ion battery from a micromobility device,” said Fire Chief Dan Flynn.
At least 38 injured in a fire in Manhattan.
Authorities believe the occupant of the apartment where the fire likely started had been repairing bicycles in the building, Flynn said.
The fire likely started “right behind the front door,” Flynn added. At least five bicycles were found from the apartment, he said.
“We’re heading into winter, the fires are on the rise, so we really implore all New Yorkers to make sure they stay safe,” said Fire Commissioner Kavanagh.
“We also want to highlight the growing cause of e-bike and skateboard fires, and for families to make sure they use them in the safest way possible, including not charging them overnight while sleeping, and even making sure they are certified and safe. the batteries are not damaged in any way.”
