A delivery driver was replacing the battery of his electric bicycle in Son Gotleu when it exploded, causing damage to a parked car. Neighbours extinguished the fire with buckets of water before the arrival of the firefighters.
Last Tuesday, around 15:35, a loud explosion shook the street in the Palma neighbourhood of Son Gotleu. A delivery driver who had stopped his electric bicycle to change the battery experienced an unexpected blast when he left one of the batteries on the ground. The explosion caused a fire that reached a nearby parked car, causing significant damage to the front left side and the side panel of the vehicle.
Fortunately, no one was injured. The driver himself tried to put out the flames by kicking them, but it was the neighbours who, alerted by the noise, came with buckets of water and managed to extinguish the fire before emergency services arrived. Their quick intervention prevented the fire from spreading to other vehicles or buildings.
Emergency intervention and securing the area
The 092 Base received the alert at 15:35. When the agents of the Local Police of Palma arrived at the scene, the fire was already out, but the asphalt was still covered with fragments of the exploded battery. Two units from the Palma Fire Brigade later arrived to secure the area, checking that there was no risk of re-ignition and ruling out that the second battery of the bicycle could explode.
The agents also inspected the surroundings to verify that no damage had occurred to nearby buildings or other vehicles. Additionally, they contacted the delivery company to inform them of what had happened and gather the insurance details in order to open a case for processing the damages. Once the emergency actions were completed, a team from Emaya cleaned the roadway and removed the remnants of the battery to restore normal traffic.
Advice for electric bicycle users
This incident highlights the risks associated with handling lithium batteries, especially in urban environments. Experts recommend not leaving batteries on the ground during changes, as possible impacts or contact with conductive surfaces can cause short circuits. It is also essential to use original chargers and avoid exposing batteries to extreme temperatures. For delivery drivers, who often make quick battery changes, it is advised to do so in safe areas, away from vehicles and flammable materials.
The incident in Son Gotleu serves as a reminder that, although electric bicycles are a sustainable and efficient means of transport, handling their batteries requires caution. The neighbours, with their swift reaction, prevented a greater tragedy, demonstrating that solidarity and quick action can make a difference in emergency situations.
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