Three people taken to hospital after lithium battery fire

Onlookers rushed to the rescue when a caravan erupted into flames in the city’s CBD, with three people taken to Gold Coast University Hospital. See what caused the emergency.

Three people have been taken to Gold Coast University Hospital after a lithium battery inside their caravan caught fire.

Fire crews arrived around 12pm to Marine Parade in Southport where the fire had already been put out using a portable fire extinguisher.

Southport Fire and Rescue station officer David Richards said the fire appeared to have originated in the lithium ion rechargeable battery cells.

“The family that was driving the vehicle, made some good decisions, they pulled over, they made the area safe and looked after their child.

“They attempted to put it out with the support of the passers by and with the support of the bowls club they attempted to extinguish it and then the fire service arrived.

“We isolated the area as we are very cautious with the toxic gases that are given off from the solar batteries. It’s a new hazard to us, we’re taking some extra precautions in this case,” he said.

Mr Richards said the family was from South Australia and had just started their trip around Australia.

The fire department will be working with Gold Coast City Council to stabilise the batteries.

“RVs and caravans, they can run solar cells to a house battery system so it is bigger than an e-scooter or a mobile device, but carry the same risks given their size.

“For that reason we’ve isolated a large area will now be working with the Gold Coast City Coucnil Cleanaway over the next 24 hours to stabilise those batteries,” he said.

Mr Richards said the young family was taken to hospital for precautionary measures.

“There’s always a risk of smoke inhalation but the added risk with these types of batteries is they do give off particularly toxic gases,” he said.

Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Police Service were also in attendance.

Originally published as Three people taken to hospital after lithium battery fire