East London Blaze: Eleven Hospitalised After E-Bike Fire Rips Through Block
A fierce late-night fire tore through Bradbeer House, a residential block in Bethnal Green, East London, just before midnight on Wednesday, 9 April 2025. Seventeen people were treated at the scene, while eleven were rushed to hospital following the devastating blaze.
Fire Sparked by Charging E-Bike Batteries
Early investigations suggest the fire was ignited by lithium batteries from electric bikes being charged inside a flat. Witnesses claim up to 14 e-bike batteries were stored in the property. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) and Metropolitan Police are jointly probing the cause as a crime scene remains in place.
“We sent ambulance crews, advanced paramedics, and our Hazardous Area Response Team to Cornwall Avenue. Seventeen patients were treated – eleven taken to hospitals, six discharged at the scene,” confirmed a London Ambulance Service spokesperson.
Firefighter Hurt in Rescue
During dramatic rescue efforts, one London Fire Brigade firefighter was injured while saving residents and battling the inferno. They were hospitalised, but their condition has not been disclosed.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and using fire escape hoods rescued seven people from the building. The blaze damaged three flats across the ground, first, and second floors.
Emergency Services Responded Fast
- Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters from Shadwell, Shoreditch, Bethnal Green, and Poplar stations tackled the blaze.
- London Ambulance Service treated 17 people and swiftly took 11 to hospitals.
- Met Police officers were seen rushing into the burning building to evacuate residents from 18 affected flats.
The Brigade’s Control Officers handled 36 emergency calls and gave vital fire survival advice to trapped residents before firefighters arrived. The fire was reported at 11:38 pm and brought under control by 1:05 am.
Displaced Residents Slam Housing Provider
Tower Hamlets Council has temporarily rehoused residents displaced by the blaze. Locals have criticised Clarion Housing, the building’s housing provider. One resident vented online:
“We’ve all been allocated a hotel thanks to Tower Hamlets Council. Our housing provider, Clarion, is a disgrace.”
Community Safety Warning Over E-Bikes
The fire has reignited fears over the safety of charging e-bikes and e-scooters in dense housing blocks. The London Fire Brigade warns lithium-ion batteries, especially poorly maintained or unofficially modified, pose serious fire risks.
Residents are urged to follow fire safety guidelines and report concerns about e-bike charging to local authorities. Any witnesses or those with information are encouraged to contact the Metropolitan Police or London Fire Brigade as the investigation continues.
