Lithium batteries for e-bikes or scooters have been blamed for a fire that engulfed a van in flames.
The white Mercedes Sprinter van was burnt out by the blaze in Finchley Road at 4.15pm on June 6.
London Fire Brigade received dozens of calls as thick smoke billowed down the road.
Passers by captured dramatic images of the van engulfed in flames next to a bus stop between Swiss Cottage and Finchley Road tube stations.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said the diesel-powered van had been carrying lithium batteries in its cargo area.
High drama outside #FinchleyRoad station & Waitrose. Big van basically 💥 exploded on fire by the bus stop. Everything cordoned off. Firefighter told me the driver takes batteries round for hire bikes 🚴🏽 and a handful spontaneously combusted 🔥 in the back of the van. Cue: chaos! pic.twitter.com/ZJ8o35OhQ5
— helenjerome (@helenjerome) June 6, 2024
They said the the batteries, believed to be batteries for either e-bikes or e-scooters, were destroyed in the fire.
There were no reports of any injuries.
One fire engine from West Hampstead Fire Station attended the scene.
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