E-bike bursts into flames outside Buckingham Palace as firefighters are called
One person reported hearing an ‘explosion’ as the tricycle bursts into flames outside Buckingham Palace
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An electric-powered tricycle burst into flames while parked outside Buckingham Palace.
Video posted on social media show firefighters tackling the blaze on Spur Road in central London at around 12.42pm on Saturday afternoon.
One person who posted footage of the incident on X reported hearing an “explosion” as the vehicle caught fire.
The charred remains of what appeared to be a tricycle and its frame were seen after the blaze was put out.
It’s thought the e-vehicle was being used to tow a rickshaw or a pedicab.
The Metropolitan Police said the fire was not believed to be suspicious or deliberate and the incident was over quickly.
The fire is believed to have started inside the e-vehicle’s battery.
E-bike and e-scooter fires have become increasingly common as the vehicles become more widely used in London and other cities.
The majority of fires involving them were in homes while their batteries were being charged.
London Fire Brigade said that, on average in 2023, it was called to an e-bike or e-scooter fire once every two days. The brigade says the risk of fire increases when unsafe or damaged batteries are charged.
A man died in north London in July last year after e-bike started a fire at a property in Kentish Town.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “At 12.43hrs on Saturday, 30 March police were informed of a pedicab on fire on Spur Road, SW1.
“A road closure was in place while London Fire Brigade responded. No injuries were reported.
“The fire is not believed to be suspicious or deliberate.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments