Man critically injured in Brooklyn fire sparked by charging lithium-ion battery

A man is in critical condition following a severe fire at a Brooklyn apartment building, which firefighters attribute to a charging lithium-ion battery. At least four individuals were injured in the blaze, ABC News 7 reports.

The fire erupted just before 6:40 a.m. Thursday on Avenue M in the Midwood neighborhood.

A 30-year-old man, who suffered life-threatening injuries, is being treated for severe burns at Staten Island University Hospital North. The other injured individuals are expected to recover.
 

Dramatic footage captured firefighters entering the lobby and removing an e-bike, engulfed in flames and obstructing the stairwell. The e-bike is believed to belong to one of the injured victims. Several other e-bike batteries were also found burning inside.

Neighbors praised the FDNY, calling them heroes for quickly containing the fire.

"The fire was raging, windows were shattered, and the flames had spread to the roof. These brave men, they just went up the ladders as if it was second nature," said witness Lillian Crespo.

Residents sifted through the debris to salvage what they could. The Red Cross is assisting them in finding temporary housing. 

Some neighbors speculated on whether the damage could have been mitigated if the e-bike had been used or stored more safely. "This won't stop; everyone in this neighborhood has a bike or scooter," Crespo added.

The FDNY has been proactive in promoting e-bike safety education, which seems to be effective. There were 13 deaths related to lithium-ion batteries by this time last year, compared to one so far this year.