Overview

• A fire broke out on May 20 in a central Bristol tower block, caused by an electric bike battery charging accident and deemed accidental by investigators.
• Ten residents were rescued from the fourth floor, with two treated for smoke inhalation; no serious injuries were reported.
• All 188 residents have been evacuated due to water and power loss, with Abri Housing Association providing temporary accommodation and expense subsidies.
• Damage assessments are ongoing to determine the extent of water and structural damage, with no timeline yet for residents' return.
• The incident has reignited calls for stricter safety standards for lithium-ion batteries, echoing concerns raised after a fatal 2022 e-bike fire in the region.