Pakistani Student Dies in Australia Due to E-Bike Battery Explosion

Haider Ali, a Pakistani student working as a delivery rider for Uber and DoorDash, lost his life in a tragic accident when his e-bike battery exploded in his apartment.

The incident occurred while Ali was asleep in his sharehouse, leaving little chance for him to escape. The explosion led to a massive fire, engulfing the room in flames before emergency responders could arrive.

Neighbors described the terrifying scene, recalling the loud blast and thick smoke pouring from the apartment. Bruce McPherson, who lives nearby, said he heard a powerful explosion before witnessing flames take over the building. “There was just a great big plume of smoke pouring out the roof. The neighbor across the street told me there was a guy standing at the front, all on fire,” he said.

Friends and colleagues of Ali are now working to raise funds to send his body back to Pakistan. Babar Anwar, a close friend and coworker, emphasized the importance of helping his grieving family. “His family deserves the chance to say a final goodbye,” he said. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to cover the transportation costs.

Rising Danger of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Ali’s tragic death has highlighted the growing risk of lithium-ion battery fires, especially in e-bikes and e-scooters. Fire and Rescue NSW reported 28 battery-related fires in early 2025 alone, with 323 such incidents recorded in 2024.

Emergency responders warn that these battery fires spread rapidly and are difficult to control. Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry stated, “Lithium battery fires burn intensely and release toxic smoke. Once ignited, they are extremely hard to put out.”

A study from Monash University’s Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit also revealed an alarming rise in e-bike-related injuries. Between 2017 and 2023, Victoria saw 534 emergency cases due to e-bike accidents, with incidents rising from 0.2 per 100,000 people in 2017 to 3.4 in 2023.

Calls for Stricter Regulations

Experts are now pushing for stricter regulations on lithium-powered mobility devices. Dr. Hadi Haghani, an associate professor at the University of Melbourne, stressed the need for better data collection on e-bike incidents. “Without accurate data, we can’t create effective policies. We need clear safety standards for batteries, licensing, and monitoring,” he said.

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Authorities are advising e-bike users to follow strict safety guidelines, including purchasing certified batteries, avoiding overnight charging, and keeping batteries away from flammable materials.

As investigations continue, the tragic loss of Haider Ali has intensified calls for urgent safety measures. Meanwhile, his community is coming together to support his family and ensure he receives a dignified farewell.