A pre-dawn alarm ripped through a quiet Toronto neighborhood Thursday, as flames erupted inside an apartment building on Eglinton Avenue West. The fire, reported just after 5:30 a.m., quickly drew emergency crews to the Keelsdale area, where residents were scrambling for safety.
Two women were rushed to hospital with minor injuries, shaken but thankfully not seriously harmed. Firefighters battled the blaze, successfully containing it to a single second-floor unit within the three-story building, preventing wider devastation.
The scene was one of immediate displacement and uncertainty. A TTC bus was swiftly deployed, offering a temporary haven for those forced from their homes by the smoke and flames. Eglinton Avenue West was temporarily shut down in both directions, disrupting the morning commute.
A chilling account from one resident suggests the fire’s origin: an exploding e-bike battery. The claim quickly gained traction as investigators discovered a severely burned e-bike within the affected apartment.
Police are now meticulously investigating the possibility that the e-bike was indeed the catalyst for the blaze. The damaged bike has been removed from the unit as evidence, and the investigation continues to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the incident.
The early morning fire serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with these increasingly popular modes of transportation, prompting a closer look at battery safety and storage practices.
