Overseas News: Breaking News! Lithium battery explosion claimed 4 lives
China Electronic Equipment Technology Development Association / 2025-06-13
A residential building in Reims, northeastern France, caught fire late at night, with the suspected cause of the fire being a lithium battery explosion on an electric scooter. The fire caused at least 4 deaths, including a pair of brothers who were only 13 and 15 years old. Firefighters described the scene as a war zone, deploying 62 firefighters and taking over 3 hours to gradually control the fire.
According to foreign media reports, the apartment building is 10 stories high, and the unit on fire is on the 4th floor. The fire broke out in the early morning of the 6th in the local area. A 13-year-old boy jumped out of the window to escape but unfortunately fell to his death. His 15-year-old brother was found dead inside the house, and the stepfathers of the two brothers were severely burned. A mother and son, aged 87 and 59, who lived on the 8th floor, also unfortunately died from inhaling thick smoke. Two others were seriously injured and 26 were sent to the hospital with minor injuries.
Lance prosecutor Fran ç ois Schneider stated that the fire was definitely an accident, and preliminary analysis suggests that the electric scooter battery caught fire abnormally, causing the entire building to be engulfed in flames. He emphasized that lithium battery fires are difficult to extinguish. Firefighters described the scene as a war zone, with 62 firefighters taking over 3 hours to control the fire.
Resident Fa ï za recounted to the media the thrilling escape process, where she heard cries for help and saw thick smoke spreading rapidly. She could only immediately rush out of the building with her child. Faiza revealed that he was friends with the mother of his deceased brother, who was traveling in French Guiana with their youngest child at the time.
According to statistics, there have been at least 50 fires related to electric scooters in France since the beginning of this year. If the lithium battery in the car is overheated, damaged, or has manufacturing defects, it is highly likely to cause explosions and fires. Experts call for special attention to the charging environment and battery condition when using lithium battery devices. Do not charge for long periods of time without supervision to avoid irreversible disasters.