Exploding Battery Blasts Apartment Building's Windows: LAFD

VAN NUYS, CA — A report of shattered windows and smoke coming from a Van Nuys apartment building Saturday turned out to be an exploding lithium-ion battery.

The explosion was reported at 1:48 p.m. Saturday in a four story apartment building at 14142 W. Vanowen St., according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Jennifer Middleton.

The actual explosion was in a third floor apartment, Middleton said. No smoke or fire was visible when firefighters arrived, but alarm bells were ringing.

"LAFD hazmat units are en route to assist with the overhaul of the unit as well as monitoring air quality for those occupants that are impacted," she said.

No injuries were reported, Middleton said. It was not known why the lithium-ion battery exploded.

City News Service