Mumbai, Mulund West 3 Jan 2025 : A massive fire broke out this mid night
one O’clock at Gala Manor, located on NS Road near Dhanwantari Hospital, Mulund
West, after an “Electric Bike” kept for charging by the owner of Aarti Lab
caught fire in the building’s compound.
The security guard of Silver Laminates was the first to notice the fire.
He immediately tried contacting the owner of Aarti Lab, but there was no
response. By the time further action could be taken, the flames had rapidly
spread, engulfing the premises and causing severe damage to two shops Silver
Hardware and Silver Laminates situated below the building.
The fire also destroyed four bikes and two cars parked in the compound.
In response, three fire engines and three water tankers were immediately
dispatched to the scene to contain the blaze.
Growing Concerns About Electric Bike Safety.
This incident adds to the growing list of fire accidents involving
electric bikes across the country. While the push for electric vehicles (EVs)
is a step toward sustainable transportation, frequent reports of EV fires are
raising questions about the safety standards, research and development, and
regulatory oversight of the electric bike manufacturing industry.
Every day, there are tragic stories of electric bike fires leading to
property destruction and, in some cases, the loss of lives. It begs the
question: Why has the Indian government not taken stricter action against
manufacturers to ensure the safety of their products?
Who should be held accountable for these incidents? Who will compensate
for the losses of property, such as the destroyed shops, bikes, and cars, or
worse, the lives of victims in fatal cases? There is an urgent need for clear
policies and accountability measures to address these issues.
Calls for Regulatory Action
Experts and consumer rights groups are demanding:
1.
Stricter safety standards
for electric bike batteries and charging systems.
2.
Mandatory testing and
certification processes for EVs.
3.
Better guidelines and
inspections for R&D before granting permissions to launch products in the
market.
4.
A comprehensive
compensation framework for victims of EV-related accidents.
The fire at Gala Manor is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address
these challenges before more lives and properties are put at risk.
Fortunately, no human casualties have been reported in this incident, but
the financial losses are substantial. Authorities are conducting an
investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess the extent of
the damage.
Stay tuned for more updates as the story develops.
