Pakistani Student Dies in Sydney E-Bike Battery Fire, Raising Safety Concerns
A tragic fire in Western Sydney has reignited urgent concerns over lithium-ion battery safety after a faulty e-bike battery exploded, killing 21-year-old Pakistani student Haider Ali.
Ali, a delivery rider for Uber and DoorDash, was asleep in his sharehouse when his e-bike battery ignited in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Fire crews arrived at the scene at 5 a.m., containing the blaze to a single bedroom, but Ali was unable to escape. Five other housemates survived.
Read More: Pakistani Student Killed in Portugal
Community Calls for Action
The President of the Pakistan Association of Australia, Hamid Saroha, has urged Australians to avoid substandard lithium-powered e-bikes and chargers.
“Please do not use low-quality e-bikes that rely on lithium charging. These incidents are becoming more frequent and can have deadly consequences,” Saroha warned.
Witnesses described the horrifying scene. Neighbor Bruce McPherson recalled a massive explosion followed by flames consuming the room. “There was just a great big plume of smoke pouring out the roof. A guy was standing at the front, completely on fire,” he said.
Ali’s friends and colleagues have launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for repatriating his body to Pakistan. “His family deserves the chance to say a final goodbye,” said Babar Anwar, a friend and coworker.
The Rising Threat of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
Ali’s death adds to growing concerns over lithium-ion battery safety in personal mobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters. Fire and Rescue NSW reported 28 lithium battery-related fires in 2025 so far, with 323 incidents recorded in 2024.
Emergency responders warn that lithium battery fires are particularly volatile and difficult to extinguish. “These fires burn rapidly, emit toxic smoke, and are extremely difficult to control,” said Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry.
Monash University’s Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit reported a significant rise in e-bike-related injuries, with cases surging from 0.2 per 100,000 people in 2017 to 3.4 in 2023.
Calls for Stricter Regulations
Experts are calling for tighter regulations on lithium-powered mobility devices.
Dr. Hadi Haghani, an associate professor at the University of Melbourne, stressed the need for better data collection. “Without accurate data, we can’t create effective policies. We need clearer standards for battery safety, licensing, and monitoring,” he said.
Authorities urge e-bike users to buy devices that meet Australian safety standards and follow strict charging guidelines, such as avoiding overnight charging and keeping batteries away from flammable materials.
The devastating loss of Haider Ali highlights the urgent need for improved e-bike safety measures. As investigations continue, communities are rallying to support his family and raise awareness about the hidden dangers of lithium-ion batteries.
