Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
A PUMULA South maid was yesterday rushed to the hospital with serious burns following a fire that razed down a room where she was sleeping in after a lithium battery burst due to overcharging.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer, Mr Mhlangano Moyo, confirmed the incident revealing that it took place just after midnight.
He said the fire was in the spare bedroom of the seven-roomed residential house.
“Solar lithium batteries overcharged and exploded. The maid who was sleeping in the room where the fire was concentrated was badly burnt and was rushed to hospital by a brigade ambulance, as well as another female adult who inhaled smoke and a six-month-old baby,” said Mr Moyo.
He said the brigade received a distress call just after midnight and within 10 minutes, crews from their Nketa and Nkulumane stations were on the scene with rescue efforts underway.
Mr Moyo said property worth ZWG168 800 was destroyed by fire, while ZWG906 400 worth of property was saved by the crew largely as a result of the prompt call to the brigade and subsequent quick response.
“The Fire Brigade managed to contain the fire as it was reported promptly and the nearest stations, that is Nketa and Nkulumane stations, swiftly handled the situation averting a serious loss. It is a big house, well built with nice property, which was saved and the infant was rescued,” said Mr Moyo.
A few weeks back, a foreign national and an investor suffered a similar fate when his solar lithium batteries exploded and destroyed various household properties, including his passport at his Burnside house.
The man, who only identified himself as George, told an online publication that he lost property worth US$25 000.
Mr Moyo expressed disappointment that despite numerous public awareness campaigns, the public still takes that advice lightly.
“Solar lithium batteries need constant monitoring and check lights within the system. Another important one is to monitor noise emanating from the system; once you hear such noise, switch off the system. Use of reputable companies or installers is also key,” said Mr Moyo.
He said the whole system and its objective was noble, it needed attention and constant monitoring.
