Electric bikes (e-bikes) are popular here in the Philippines and they are perceived to be economical and environment-friendly. E-bikes are also favored by fanatics of renewable energy, the climate change fanatics, as well as those who are living with a burning hatred for fossil fuel. However, there is one tragedy that took place recently during Holy Week and it is about an e-bike that was left charging for too long which caused a house fire and the eventual death of a family of five, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
An overcharged electric bike was the cause of a fire that killed a family of five here early Monday morning, according to an investigation of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Pozorrubio.
In an interview on Tuesday, Fire Officer 3 Christian Verosil said the e-bike was on the ground floor of the victim’s residence and was left plugged in overnight.
“(Their) electronic bike does not have an automatic switch mechanism that would stop once the charging was completed,” he said.
He said the fire that started through the overcharged bike spread through the wirings of their house until it reached the attic where the casualties were sleeping.
“There are 10 persons in the house. The deceased father (Mark Villanueva) saved the other five members of their household including the elderly and those who were on the ground floor but when he returned to try to save his wife (Dexie) and three children aged six, two, and one, they were trapped and were unable to get out,” Verosil said.
He added that the attic was made of wood which made the fire spread almost immediately and there were no other openings aside from a small window and the attic door.
Meanwhile, Verosil said two neighboring houses were also damaged but there were no injuries or casualties.
He said the damage incurred amounted to PHP9 million.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you own an electric bike, have you been very careful about scheduling its recharge at your home or at your business place? How often do you unplug appliances at your home before going to sleep or leaving the household?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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