An electric motorcycle explosion triggered a fire and partial collapse of a house in Camagüey on Tuesday morning. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
The house, located at 585 Pobres Street, between San Esteban and Jaime, in the city's historic center, caught fire after the motorcycle's battery exploded while charging. The vehicle was placed next to a gasoline-powered motorcycle, reported Cuban journalist Henry Constantín, director of the independent outlet La Hora de Cuba.
Constantín detailed that the living room of the house was completely burned, and the roof collapsed. Besides destroying the electric motorcycle, the fire also ravaged the gasoline motorcycle, which "likely increased the pressure due to its fuel," he explained.
Luckily, none of the residents were injured. All were awake at the time of the explosion and managed to escape through the back of the house.
A witness told the news outlet that firefighters took half an hour to arrive, despite the station being just a mile away from the incident site.
In June, two similar incidents where electric motorcycle batteries exploded led to tragedies, causing the deaths of family members.
Earlier that month, a couple and their 21-year-old son died in a pre-dawn fire at their house in Playa.
Two weeks later, another electric motorcycle explosion in Havana caused a fire that resulted in the death of a couple and severe injuries to their three children. The youngest, a nine-year-old boy, succumbed after several days in critical condition.
An Alamar family lost all their possessions in a fierce fire that consumed their apartment.
Understanding the Risks of Electric Motorcycle Explosions
Given the rising incidents of electric motorcycle explosions in Cuba, it's crucial to understand the risks and preventive measures. Below are some common questions and answers regarding these unfortunate events.
What causes electric motorcycle batteries to explode?
Electric motorcycle batteries can explode due to overcharging, poor quality batteries, manufacturing defects, or improper handling.
What should you do if an electric motorcycle battery catches fire?
If an electric motorcycle battery catches fire, quickly evacuate the area and call emergency services. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire yourself.
How can you prevent electric motorcycle battery explosions?
To prevent battery explosions, use high-quality batteries, follow the manufacturer's charging guidelines, and avoid overcharging. Regular maintenance is also essential.
Are there any regulations in Cuba to prevent such incidents?
As of now, there are limited regulations in Cuba specifically addressing the safety of electric motorcycle batteries. However, stronger safety measures and guidelines are urgently needed.