CCTV captures suspected Lithium-ion battery explosion inside inner-city hotel - Darlinghurst
Published: 04 Oct 2023 12:58pm
Extraordinary CCTV footage, obtained by Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW), has captured the moment two backpackers were caught in a fireball when a Lithium-ion battery exploded inside a hostel today at Darlinghurst, in inner Sydney.
FRNSW deployed 22 firefighters and six fire trucks to Darlinghurst Road, where the blaze had broken out in a unit shortly after 9am.
It's suspected to have been sparked by a faulty e-bike battery left on charge.
Security footage from a hallway shows one of the French nationals standing at the doorway and talking to their friend, who was still inside the room, when a device suddenly explodes into flames.
Both men made a desperate dash to safety before attending nearby Kings Cross Police Station to seek assistance.
One of the men, aged in his 20s, sustained minor burns to his leg and was transported to St Vincent's Hospital for further treatment.
Another 70 people were evacuated from the building, while the surrounding streets were shut down to enable emergency response.
Fire crews managed to contain damage to the one unit before extinguishing the blaze a short time later.
Experts from FRNSW's Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) are working with NSW Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Safety advice about Lithium-ion batteries is available on the FRNSW website - https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/batteries [external link]
EDITOR'S NOTE: Dramatic CCTV footage from inside the Darlinghurst hostel is available for download - https://vimeo.com/870887468/d45410c43d [external link]
Updated: 04 Oct 2023 01:02pm
Related safety topics
It's important that we all understand the risks of lithium-ion batteries and be prepared if things go wrong.
The best way to keep you and your family safe is to prevent fires from occurring and know what to do in case of a fire.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
Stations nearby
100-102 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
211-217 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000
2 Forth Street, Woollahra NSW 2025