Electric scooter fires strike again! 8 people killed, more injured

An electric two-wheeler showroom in Secunderabad caught fire on Monday at around 9:30 PM, leaving 8 dead and others injured. As per Deputy Commissioner of Police, North Zone, Hyderabad, the fire started in the basement of the Ruby Luxury Hotel where multiple electric scooters were parked. The scooters were reportedly being charged when they caught fire, following which, the upper floors of the hotel engulfed in smoke.
Several fire tenders were rushed to the hotel to bring the fire under control, with police also helping the people trapped inside the hotel evacuate. Some guests staying on the first and second floors even had to jump from their windows, and were rescued by the locals. Later, the injured persons were rushed to a hospital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences upon learning about the situation, and announced financial support on Twitter. "Saddened by the loss of lives due to a fire in Secunderabad, Telangana. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be paid to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs 50,000 would be paid to the injured," tweeted PM Modi.

Telangana Home Minister Mohd. Mahmood Ali said that a probe on the incident has been initiated. Meanwhile Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had recently said that the government is set to announce the long-coming mandatory electric vehicle battery standards within the next 2-3 months. Companies that fail to comply with these standards will be liable to pay hefty penalties.