The NSW State Coroner has announced an inquest will be held examining the “emerging issue” of deaths and serious fires caused by lithium-ion batteries.
In the year to date, there have been more than 275 lithium-ion battery fires across the state, averaging five incidents per week, according to a release from the Department of Communities and Justice. This year, 26 people have been injured in lithium-ion battery fires and there have been 876 evacuations in NSW.
“The Coroners Court is currently investigating multiple reports of fires involving lithium batteries, including some that have sadly resulted in fatalities,” the department said.
There have been hundreds of lithium-ion battery fires recorded in NSW in the year to date.Credit: Flavio Brancaleone
“We have been working with Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Police to monitor this emerging issue. This inquest into lithium battery fires will examine if any changes can be made to stop similar deaths, fires or explosions in the future.”
The batteries are used in items including e-bikes and e-scooters and small electronic devices such as electric toothbrushes or shavers.
State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan said it was her role to investigate these deaths and recommend changes “that could stop tragic mistakes from being repeated”.
The coroner urged people to follow the safety advice for lithium-ion batteries, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas, including storing them away from exits and sleeping areas, charging when at home and awake, and unplugging when the battery is full.
“Know the signs to look out for: if there is a strange odour, vapour, smoke, or a strange sound coming from a lithium battery-powered device, get out and call triple zero,” O’Sullivan said.
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