A Chelsea apartment was rocked by an explosion after a lithium-ion battery from an electric scooter ignited into flames, injuring five residents over the weekend. Chelsea Fire Chief John Quatieri and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine disclosed that the blast stemmed from a battery that had been left to charge excessively long.
“Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use every day,” Chief Quatieri said in a statement. “It’s important to use, charge, and store them according to the manufacturer’s instructions,” according to the Department of Fire Services. He urged the use of original charging equipment and to disconnect the battery once a device is fully charged for avoid mishaps. The incident, which occurred at about 12:40 am on May 25 at 32 Carmel St., fortunately resulted in no mortal injuries.
The blaze was quickly contained by responding units from the Chelsea Fire Department, who worked fast to prevent it from ravaging the rest of the building. Despite the escalation of the situation, all residents from the multi-unit building managed to evacuate in time. Four individuals, however, were taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigations by the state police fire investigators pinpointed the origin of the fire to an overcharged lithium-ion battery. “Overcharging, overheating, and physical damage can cause them to fail rapidly and violently, like this one did,” State Fire Marshal Davine was quoted. He emphasized the fortune of the residents’ alertness at the incident's time, which likely prevented a grimmer outcome, as reported by the Department of Fire Services.
Device selection should be stringent, officials recommend, urging consumers to opt for those listed by testing labs such as UL or Intertek/ETL. Warning signs such as swelling, punctures, and unusual heat or sounds should be grounds to cease usage immediately. Further safety guidelines can be found on the Department of Fire Services' website or through its Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety program.
