Electric Scooter Fire Kills Four in Mulhouse, France
A devastating fire in the French city of Mulhouse has claimed the lives of four individuals, with authorities pointing to an electric scooter as the likely cause. The blaze erupted early Monday morning in a seven-story residential building, prompting a swift response from firefighters.
According to local reports, the fire started on the ground floor and rapidly spread upwards, engulfing the building in thick smoke and flames. Firefighters managed to rescue several residents, but tragically, four people were pronounced dead at the scene. Several others sustained injuries, some serious, and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a faulty electric scooter, parked in the building’s entrance hall, may have been the source of the fire. “The investigation is oriented towards the battery of an electric scooter,” stated the public prosecutor of Mulhouse, Edwige Roux-Morizot. While the investigation is ongoing, initial findings indicate a potential battery malfunction led to the catastrophic event.
This incident has ignited concerns regarding the safety of electric scooters and the potential fire hazards they pose, particularly when stored indoors. Questions are being raised about regulations surrounding the storage and charging of these devices in residential buildings. Safety advocates are calling for stricter guidelines to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The city of Mulhouse is in mourning following the tragic loss of life. Local authorities are providing support to the affected families and residents displaced by the fire. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for increased awareness regarding the potential risks associated with lithium-ion batteries commonly found in electric scooters and other personal mobility devices.
The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire and to assess whether any negligence contributed to the tragedy. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
