A massive fire broke out at ‘My Ride’ electric vehicle showroom in Virar (West) on Wednesday morning, causing extensive damage and loss of at least 35 electric bikes. The incident happened before the showroom opened for business and fortunately, no casualties have been reported.
The fire was first noticed at around 8:30 am in the ‘My Ride’ showroom located at Dogharpada. Responding immediately to the emergency call, fire brigade personnel from the Vasai-Virar civic body rushed to the spot to tackle the raging flames. Desperate to get control of the situation, he forced open the shutter of the showroom to gain access to the fire fighting operations.
Preliminary investigation by fire officials has revealed that a short circuit could have been the cause of the fire. The exact origin and extent of the damage are still being assessed. However, it has been noted that although the electric vehicles suffered severe damage, fortunately, the batteries did not explode during the incident. Despite this, even the furniture and other office equipment inside the showroom did not escape the blaze.
This recent incident has raised concerns about the safety of electric vehicles in the region. Significantly, this is not the first time such an incident has come to the fore in Vasai. Last year, three cases of electric bike battery explosions were reported in the region. A particularly devastating incident occurred in October 2022 when an e-scooter’s battery exploded at another showroom, causing extensive damage and destroying around 15 two-wheelers.
Officials and industry experts are now urging electric vehicle makers and retailers to implement stricter safety measures and conduct thorough quality checks on batteries and electrical systems before vehicles are displayed in showrooms and sold to consumers. They emphasize that such incidents can have far-reaching consequences, not only for the businesses involved but also for public perception and confidence in the emerging electric vehicle market.
Furthermore, as the adoption of electric vehicles continues to increase, it becomes important for the government to enforce stricter safety standards to ensure the safety of both consumers and businesses. Manufacturers and retailers must prioritize safety at every stage, from production to retail, to instill confidence among consumers and avoid potential accidents that could result in life-threatening situations and substantial economic losses.
In response to the recent fire, ‘My Ride’ management released a statement expressing relief that no one was hurt during the incident. They also assured their customers and the public that they would conduct a thorough investigation to find out the root cause of the fire. The company promised to work closely with the authorities to address any security concerns and implement appropriate measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The authorities have called upon citizens to be alert and report any potential fire hazard or safety issues they come across at the showroom or during the use of electric vehicles. By fostering a collaborative approach, industry stakeholders and the public can collectively ensure a safer and more sustainable future for electric mobility in the region.
As the investigation into the ‘My Ride’ showroom fire continues, the incident is a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining strict safety standards in the fast-growing electric vehicle industry. Only through collective efforts can stakeholders build a reliable and safe foundation for the future of transportation, free from the fear of such catastrophic events.
