Authorities have released footage of the moment two backpackers were caught in a fireball when a lithium-ion battery exploded inside a Sydney hostel.
The hostel in Darlinghurst caught on fire on Wednesday, with 22 firefighters and six fire trucks responding to the incident just after 9am.
Fire and Rescue NSW said the blaze is suspected to have been sparked by a faulty e-bike battery left on charge.
DARLINGHURST | CCTV captures suspected Lithium-ion battery explosion inside inner-city hotel - VIDEO. Extraordinary CCTV footage, obtained by Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW), has captured the moment two backpackers were caught in a fireball when a L... https://t.co/k41GRmgifC
— Fire and Rescue NSW (@FRNSW) October 4, 2023
Security footage from the hallway, released by FRNSW, shows a French backpacker standing in the doorway and talking to a friend (still inside the room) when a device suddenly exploded into flames.
Both men made a desperate dash to safety, before going to Kings Cross police station for help. One of the men in his 20s sustained minor burns to his leg and was transported to St Vincent’s hospital for treatment.
One of the men, identified by Nine News as French backpacker Philippe, said he was “shocked” when the incident occurred.
“I’m okay, I’m lucky to be here intact,” he said.
The hostel’s operators reportedly went door to door in the building to evacuate an additional 70 people while the surrounding streets were shut down as emergency crews responded. Fire crews contained the damage to one unit before extinguishing the blaze.
FRNSW are working with NSW police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The hostel declined to comment when contacted by Guardian Australia.
Firefighters have previously warned of a “marked increase” in battery fires.
