A garage owner in Guernsey was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation after a fire involving the battery of his electric van.
Three fire engines responded to the incident at Craig’s Motors on Thursday, August 29th. The fire caused significant damage to the building and released potentially toxic smoke and debris.
Authorities advised residents near the affected area to keep windows closed and avoid the area if possible. Road diversions are in place due to ongoing investigations.
The specific cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is believed to be related to the lithium-ion battery in the electric van.
Chief Fire Officer Jon Le Page said firefighters quickly contained the blaze, limiting damage to the roof and workshop. He expressed sadness over the incident and announced a formal investigation once the battery was stabilised.
The public is asked to report any debris found in the surrounding area to Environmental Health at 01481 221161.
Source: ITV News
graham+cox
sorry to read this
not sure what other garage owners think but battery vehicles appear that they will be giving us a major issue plus we have just renewed our insurance and in the small print it looks like we can not leave battery vehicles in the workshop overnight or indeed anywhere near any other car
interesting get out clause
Alastair Mayne
Another unfortunate side-effect of these electric vehicles that ‘the powers that be’ tell us are the answer to all of our problems (when they are clearly not!)
Petrol engined vehicles are a potential fire hazard, but unlike electrics, they don’t have a habit of spontaneously combusting.
Eddie Bamber
I’m not sure I’d like to keep an electric vehicle indoors overnight – even in the garage at home. I certainly wouldn’t put my business premises at risk. This is a sad situation for this garage owner and is a cautionary reminder for us when dealing with electric vehicles.
steve coppock
My insurance says the same, but don’t want to work on electric rubbish anyway so no great loss
Mike
won’t be the last unfortunately. There’s not enough safety precautions in place for these deadly things ! Sadly garages are going to be coming across them and have very little knowledge as to how to deal with them… more training is needed and it should be compulsory… for everyone’s safety sake.