Global Courant 2023-05-15 22:43:01
A fire and explosion in a pickup truck outside the Maine governor’s mansion last week was traced to a faulty battery in a cordless drill, officials said.
The unoccupied lorry was parked on Chamberlain Street just yards from the white fence surrounding the Blaine House when smoke began billowing from the vehicle, followed by flames and an explosion on Thursday.
The incident caused some concern due to its proximity to the governor’s residence. Democratic Governor Janet Mills was working in her Statehouse office at the time.
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No one was injured.
An explosion near the governor’s mansion in Maine was caused by a battery in a cordless drill, according to officials.
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Fire department investigators blamed the fire on a lithium-ion battery attached to a cordless drill in the back of the truck, said Maine Department of Public Safety spokesman Shannon Moss.
The batteries are used in everything from electric vehicles and bicycles to mobile phones and computers. While rare, lithium-ion battery fires can be caused by mechanical failure or left in hot areas or direct sunlight, Moss said.
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In New York City, Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said last week that lithium-ion batteries have caused more than 70 fires this year.