A man in Krasnodar sustained serious burns while attempting a do it yourself repair on his electric scooter. The incident was officially reported by the Russian Emergencies Ministry via the Telegram channel. The device ended up in the man’s hands as the battery unexpectedly ignited after a fall, and panic caused him to mistake the balcony for the exit. He immediately summoned the fire brigade and evacuated the apartment to the balcony area, seeking safety as smoke spread through the living spaces.
The autonomous fire detector installed in the building activated in response to the smoke, delivering a piercing alert that prompted neighbors to begin evacuations. The man described the moment as chaotic, with the alarm serving as a crucial cue for everyone nearby to move to safety and avoid exposure to flames and fumes. Fire crews arrived and worked to bring the blaze under control, eventually extinguishing it in an area of about twenty square meters. Crews also documented the scene from a height of forty five meters to assess the spread of the fire and the extent of the damage.
The Emergencies Ministry emphasized that repairs or maintenance of electric devices should be left to qualified professionals who have the proper training and safety equipment. This guidance aligns with general safety recommendations that insist on professional handling of lithium battery systems and high energy systems to reduce the risk of thermal runaway and fire exposure in residential settings.
Prior to this incident, there were reports of electric scooters in Krasnodar being used in ways that created hazardous conditions, including situations that put bystanders and passengers at risk. Such cases underscore the importance of user education, adherence to manufacturer instructions, and the installation of reliable safety features in homes and public spaces to prevent similar emergencies from arising in the future.
Experts remind residents across regions with dense apartment layouts to maintain safe storage practices for batteries and to follow clear exit routes in case of fire. They also urge owners to review warning devices, ensure proper ventilation, and keep protective equipment ready. In all cases, immediate evacuation and calling emergency services remain the prudent response when smoke or heat is detected, as these steps can significantly reduce the chance of severe injuries and property loss. Attribution: Russian Emergencies Ministry report via official channels.