What Happened to the Woman Whose Electric Scooty Exploded?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Electric vehicle battery explosions pose serious safety risks.
- Overcharging is suspected to trigger these explosions.
- Multiple fatalities have occurred due to similar incidents in the region.
- Authorities are investigating to enhance safety protocols.
- Awareness and education on safe charging practices are crucial.
Amaravati, June 27 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred in Andhra Pradesh’s YSR Kadapa district, where a woman lost her life due to an explosion caused by the battery of an electric two-wheeler being charged at home. The event took place in Potladurthi village, located in Yerraguntla mandal of Kadapa district on Friday.
The electric scooty was left charging when it suddenly exploded, leading to the unfortunate death of Venkata Lakshmamma (62), who was resting on a sofa nearby.
She sustained severe burn injuries and died instantly due to the explosion. The vehicle ignited in flames and was entirely destroyed, while several household items were also partially damaged in the fire.
The police have launched an investigation into the case. The deceased's body has been transferred to the government hospital in Produttur for an autopsy.
This incident is not an isolated case; similar explosions have been reported in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in recent years.
In 2022, the Telugu states experienced around eight incidents involving e-bikes, residential fires, and even a hotel blaze due to exploding e-batteries, resulting in the deaths of 10 individuals and numerous injuries.
Most of these incidents occurred while e-bikes were charging, with overcharging suspected to be the trigger for the explosions.
A significant incident took place in Hyderabad in September 2022, where eight lives were lost when a fire erupted in an e-bike showroom located in the basement of a multi-storey building, spreading to an upper-floor hotel.
This fire was attributed to a short circuit caused by overcharging of electric vehicles.
In October 2022, a massive fire consumed 36 electric bikes in a showroom in Palakonda town of Parvathipuram district, Andhra Pradesh.
In November 2024, another fire broke out in Jagital district after an electric scooter's battery exploded while charging at a resident's home.
A man, who had acquired the two-wheeler just three months prior, witnessed the explosion while the scooter was being charged.
In April 2022, a man lost his life and three family members were injured when the battery of a scooty exploded in their Vijayawada residence.
Kotakonda Shiva Kumar (40) died, while his wife and two children suffered burn injuries after the charging scooty exploded, occurring just a day after he had purchased it.
The same month, another tragedy struck in Nizamabad district, Telangana, where an 80-year-old man was killed and two others were injured due to a similar explosion while charging an electric two-wheeler at home.