BREAKING: A fire has erupted at the King Electronic Hub in South Richmond Hill, Queens, marking the second time this year the e-bike shop has been engulfed in flames. Just after 8:30 PM on Friday, 60 fire and EMS personnel rushed to the scene at 119-07 Liberty Ave to combat the blaze, which has already resulted in one injury.
This incident follows a significant fire at the same location on January 8, 2024, attributed to a malfunctioning lithium-ion battery. That earlier fire was ignited by a row of stored e-bikes, which caused sparks and smoke to fill the shop. Officials stated the cause of Friday night’s fire remains under investigation, with fire marshals currently on-site.
Witnesses reported seeing flames and thick smoke billowing from the building. Emergency services transported one individual to a nearby hospital, although the extent of their injuries is currently unknown.
The FDNY has confirmed that the latest fire has caused additional damage to the shop, raising concerns over the safety of businesses using lithium-ion batteries, which have been linked to multiple fire incidents nationwide.
As the investigation unfolds, local residents are urged to stay clear of the area. The urgency of this situation underscores the potential hazards associated with e-bike batteries.
Authorities are expected to provide updates as they assess the damage and determine the cause. Stay tuned for the latest developments on this unfolding story.
