A fire that is believed to have exploded in an electric bicycle in the capital city of Beijing has killed five people.
According to the New News on the 20th, a fire broke out in an apartment in Beijing's Tongzhou District early this morning.
The fire burned part of the apartment and was put out, but five residents were found dead at the scene of the fire.
Authorities said the fire was related to indoor charging of electric bicycles as a result of an on-site investigation.
E-bikes are one of the most popular modes of transportation in China, but explosions continue to occur.
Last year, there were 124 electric bicycle-related fire accidents reported in China alone.
In May, in Fuxin, Liaoning Province, an electric bicycle on a road suddenly exploded, killing the driver and injuring five passersby.
At the same time, in an apartment elevator in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, an electric bicycle carried by a resident exploded, causing burns to five people in the elevator.
In response to a series of accidents, some areas are strengthening safety measures, such as prohibiting electric bicycles from entering buildings.
(Photo = Baidu screen capture, Yonhap News)