Transport ministry orders probe into fire at Secunderabad e-bike showroom

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, on Tuesday, ordered an inquiry into the fire that broke out at an electric bike showroom in Secunderabad area of Hyderabad.

“Two experts are visiting (the electric-bike showroom in Secunderabad) after the police submits (its) preliminary finding,” a ministry official said.

With the government aggressively pushing electric vehicles, the fire in the e-bikes was a cause of concern.

Eight people, including a woman, staying at a hotel in Secunderabad were killed in a midnight fire that originated from the electric bike showroom located below it.

After the recent series of fire incidents involving electric vehicles, the road transport ministry introduced additional safety provisions in the battery safety standards, which will come into effect from October 1.

This would include additional safety requirements related to battery cells, on-board charger, design of battery pack, and thermal propagation due to internal cell short circuit leading to fire.

In April this year, cases were reported of electric two-wheelers of manufacturers such as Ola Electric, Okinawa Autotech and PureEV catching fire. Following which, the government formed a panel to examine and recommend additional safety requirements in the existing battery safety standards notified under commercial motor vehicle rules.

In April, road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari warned companies of penalties if they were found to be negligent and said they would be ordered to recall defective vehicles.