Southwark fire in pedicab storage unit sees person jump from window to escape flames

A person had to jump from a window after a fire broke out at a pedicab storage unit in South London. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters had to tackle the fire at the unit and workshop on Union Street in Southwark on September 21.

The building's ground floor was destroyed by fire while the first floor was damaged by heat and smoke. Three people - including one person who jumped from the first floor - escaped before firefighters arrived.

One person was rushed to hospital by the London Ambulance Service (LAS). Fire investigators say the most likely cause of the fire is the catastrophic failure of multiple lithium batteries.

READ MORE: 'Alarm bells' raised before 4 Sutton brothers died in fire at rubbish-strewn home

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Personal light electric vehicles, such as pedicabs, along with e-bikes and e-scooters, can be a fun and sustainable way of getting around London.

"However, e-bikes and e-scooters in particular have become one of London's fastest-growing fire risks which is why London Fire Brigade has been running its #ChargeSafe awareness campaign . From previous investigations, we know many of the fires we've attended have involved second-hand vehicles or the bike has been modified using parts bought online.

"It's important to get a conversion carried out by a professional or a competent person. It's also important to make sure the conversion kits, batteries and chargers you're purchasing for the bike are from a reputable seller.

"At this time, there is not the same level of regulation of products for e-bikes and e-scooters sold via online marketplaces or auction sites when compared to high street shops, so we cannot be confident that products meet the correct safety standards. Products that fail to meet safety standards are at higher risk of malfunctioning."

Second fire since 2022

In August 2022 a nearby storage unit went up in flames due to a faulty battery in a pedicab, according to the Evening Standard. Trains had to be halted on their way to and from London Bridge station while multiple buildings had to be evacuated.

Lithium batteries store a significant amount of energy in a very small space which is therefore much more powerful compared to other types of batteries. If that energy is released in an uncontrolled way, this can lead to a fire or explosion.

An LFB spokesperson said: "If there is overheating, crushing, penetrating or overcharging, then a fault can occur within damaged battery cells which may cause the battery to catch fire and explode. These types of fires are ferocious, shooting out jets and can be extremely hard to extinguish. People should never try and tackle a lithium battery fire and should get away from one as quickly and as safely as possible."

Don't miss out on the biggest local stories. Sign up to our MySouthLondon newsletter HERE for all the latest daily news and more.