Video Shows Electric Wheelchair Go up in Flames After Lithium Battery Explodes in Hollywood
The homeowner said the second-hand chair had a hot lithium battery and was charging with a nonmanufacturer charger before it erupted, officials said.
- On Sunday, homeowner Alexandra Anaya moved a malfunctioning electric wheelchair outside her Hollywood, Florida, home after hearing a clicking sound, and surveillance video captured the chair exploding seconds after she retreated to safety.
- Anaya had purchased the used Zinger wheelchair at a thrift store last week and charged it indoors with a non-manufacturer charger; Hollywood Fire Rescue noted such equipment can cause lithium batteries to overheat dangerously.
- Surveillance footage shows the chair detonating in her driveway along the 5900 block of North Farragut Drive; "Eight seconds later it exploded into a ball of fire," Anaya said of the blast.
- Fire officials praised Anaya's quick thinking, stating her decision likely saved her family from catastrophe, while she expressed gratitude, believing her recently deceased mother may have helped wake her up in time.
- Hollywood Fire Rescue advises residents to stop using devices if they hear clicking or hissing, charge batteries only while home, and move devices to non-combustible areas if thermal runaway occurs.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Thrift store electric wheelchair explodes in front of home
An electric wheelchair bought at a thrift store exploded after it was dragged out of a Florida homeowner’s property. Hollywood Fire Rescue and Beach Safety officials said the woman heard a clicking sound coming from the battery pack of the chair. She then immediately moved the chair outdoors, where it exploded. Officials praised the woman for her quick thinking, which “saved her house and family from catastrophe.” “She had been charging the chai…
Electric wheelchair explodes outside Hollywood home; Woman’s quick thinking helped avert disaster caused by lithium battery
An electric wheelchair exploded into flames right outside a Hollywood home, but that homeowner’s quick thinking is being praised by first responders.
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