A housemaid from Pumula South suburb in Bulawayo was rushed to the hospital after she was burnt by a fire that broke out in the room where she was sleeping. The blaze was caused by a lithium battery that exploded due to overcharging.
According to Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo, the incident occurred around midnight. Said Moyo:
Solar lithium batteries overcharged and exploded. The maid who was sleeping in the room where the fire was concentrated was badly burnt and was rushed to the hospital by a brigade ambulance, as well as another female adult who inhaled smoke and a six-month-old baby.
Moyo said the fire brigade received a distress call shortly after midnight. Within ten minutes, crews from the Nketa and Nkulumane fire stations had arrived at the scene and began rescue efforts immediately.
He also reported that property valued at ZWG168,800 was destroyed in the fire. However, thanks to the swift alert and rapid response by the fire crews, property worth ZWG906,400 was saved.
Moyo credited the timely call and the brigade’s quick response for preventing further damage.
Lithium battery failures are increasingly common and can be caused by several factors. Overcharging a battery beyond its recommended voltage can degrade its internal components, leading to overheating.
Physical damage, such as punctures, crushing, or exposure to excessive pressure, can cause internal short circuits.
Storing or charging batteries in hot environments, like direct sunlight or poorly ventilated areas, can accelerate thermal runaway.
Poor-quality batteries or contamination during the manufacturing process can also result in unexpected failures, sometimes occurring years after initial use.
To prevent such incidents, it is essential to use high-quality batteries, adhere to manufacturer guidelines, and ensure proper ventilation during charging.
More: Chronicle
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