38 Injured In Massive Midtown Blaze After Battery Ignites Fire: Report

NEW YORK CITY, NY — More than three dozen people were injured after a lithium-ion battery in an electric bicycle ignited a massive blaze at a Manhattan high-rise Saturday morning, according to the FDNY and reports.

The three-alarm fire started on the 20th floor of the 37-story building at 429 E. 52nd St. about 10:25 a.m., according to authorities. Firefighters also received several reports about people that were possibly trapped inside the building.

At least 38 people were injured in the blaze, according to multiple reports citing the FDNY. At least two were listed in critical condition and three were in serious condition.

The fire started in an apartment that had at least five electric bicycles, Chief Fire Marshal Daniel E. Flynn told reporters. Officials said the tenant of the apartment repaired bikes, and released a photo appearing to show a charred bicycle inside an apartment.

About 200 fires in New York City have been caused by lithium-ion batteries in 2022, according to the Times. Six people total have been killed.

Occupants of the building, which stands between First Avenue and the FDR Drive, were told to shelter in place until firefighters reach them, according to FDNY. Video posted to Citizen shows smoke billowing out of a window in the high-rise.

Shortly after 11:30 a.m., FDNY tweeted that the fire was under control.