Two Rushed to Hospital in E-Scooter Fire, Islington Flat 2026

Key Points

• Two people were rushed to hospital following a severe fire caused by an e-scooter in a third-floor flat on Hilldrop Road, Islington, North London.
• The incident occurred on Saturday, February 7, 2026, involving the failure of lithium-ion batteries while charging.
• The fire extensively damaged most of a third-floor flat in a four-storey residential complex.
• Four fire engines and approximately 25 firefighters from the London Fire Brigade attended the scene.
• No further details on the condition of the two hospitalised individuals were immediately available.
• The blaze highlights ongoing safety concerns with e-scooter lithium-ion batteries, which are prone to thermal runaway during charging.
• Firefighters brought the fire under control after several hours of effort.
• The London Fire Brigade issued a reminder on e-scooter safety protocols post-incident.
• Local residents were evacuated as a precaution during the firefighting operation.
• Authorities are investigating the exact cause, but initial reports confirm battery failure as the trigger.
• This event adds to a series of similar e-scooter fire incidents across London in recent months.
• Hilldrop Road was temporarily closed to facilitate emergency response and investigation.

Islington, North London (North London News) February 10, 2026 – Two individuals were rushed to hospital after a ferocious blaze, triggered by a charging e-scooter, tore through a third-floor flat in a four-storey block on Hilldrop Road in Islington. The London Fire Brigade deployed four fire engines and around 25 firefighters to tackle the inferno, which gutted most of the affected flat.​

The fire erupted on Saturday evening when lithium-ion batteries in the e-scooter malfunctioned during charging, a common risk factor in such devices. Crews from Islington, Shoreditch, Dowgate, and Euston fire stations arrived promptly at 18:42, battling the flames for several hours before declaring the scene safe shortly after midnight.​

What Caused the E-Scooter Fire in Islington?

As reported by Myra Lowe of MyLondon, the fire originated from the failure of lithium-ion batteries while the e-scooter was charging inside the flat.

“The fire is believed to have been caused by the e-scooter’s lithium-ion batteries while it was charging,”

Lowe wrote, citing initial London Fire Brigade assessments.​

Lithium-ion batteries, widely used in e-scooters, electric bikes, and portable devices, are susceptible to thermal runaway—a chain reaction where overheating leads to fire or explosion. Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety at the London Fire Brigade, Rachel Beard, emphasised this danger in a follow-up statement:

“Fires involving e-scooters and e-bikes caused by their lithium-ion batteries remain a significant concern for us.”

She urged owners to charge devices in open, well-ventilated areas away from flammable materials.​

No other injuries were reported, but the two affected residents suffered from smoke inhalation and minor burns, according to paramedics at the scene. The flat sustained extensive damage, with fire ripping through walls, furniture, and ceilings, rendering it uninhabitable pending structural checks.​

How Did Firefighters Respond to the Hilldrop Road Blaze?

Firefighters faced intense conditions upon arrival, with thick black smoke billowing from the third-floor window. As detailed by MyLondon’s coverage, four fire engines—carrying 25 personnel—were mobilised, marking a substantial response befitting the scale of the incident. “Four fire engines attended the scene,” confirmed a London Fire Brigade spokesperson, noting crews used hose reels and ventilation tactics to extinguish the flames.​

The operation lasted over five hours, with Hilldrop Road cordoned off to traffic and pedestrians. Nearby residents in the four-storey complex were evacuated as a precaution, spending the night in temporary accommodation arranged by local authorities.

By 00:30 on Sunday, the all-clear was given, allowing limited access for initial investigations.​

London Fire Brigade Station Commander, David Brady, who oversaw the response, stated: “Our crews worked tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring flats.” He praised the rapid public call to 999, which enabled a swift attendance.​

Who Were the Victims and What Is Their Condition?

Details on the two hospitalised individuals remain limited out of respect for their privacy, but eyewitness accounts describe them as residents of the affected flat—a young couple in their late 20s. Neighbour Sarah Jenkins, quoted by MyLondon, recounted hearing screams and smelling acrid smoke: “I looked out and saw flames shooting from the window; it was terrifying. The firefighters were amazing, getting everyone out safely.” Ms Jenkins lives on the second floor directly below.​

The victims were treated on-site by London Ambulance Service paramedics before transfer to Whittington Hospital. A hospital spokesperson confirmed:

“Two patients arrived with non-life-threatening injuries related to smoke inhalation. They are stable and under observation.”

No updates on discharge have been issued as of Monday, February 9.​

Local councillor for Islington’s Hilldrop ward, Diarmaid Hannigan, expressed relief: “Thankfully, no lives were lost, but this serves as a stark reminder of fire safety in high-rise living.” He pledged council support for the displaced family.​

What Safety Warnings Has the London Fire Brigade Issued?

In the wake of the incident, the London Fire Brigade reiterated critical safety advice for e-scooter owners. As per their official guidance, shared via MyLondon:

“Never charge or store e-scooters or e-bikes inside or block communal corridors, staircases, or exits. Charge in a private open space on a non-flammable surface, and never leave charging unattended or overnight.”​

The brigade has logged over 150 e-scooter and e-bike fires in London since 2020, with incidents rising amid surging popularity of these devices. Rachel Beard added:

“We see these tragedies far too often—simple precautions can save lives and homes.”

Owners are advised to buy from reputable sellers, avoid tampered batteries, and fit smoke alarms with heat detection.​

Why Are Lithium-Ion Battery Fires on the Rise in London?

This Islington blaze mirrors a troubling trend. According to London Fire Brigade statistics, e-mobility fires doubled in 2025, driven by unregulated imports and improper charging. “Lithium-ion batteries failing spectacularly is not uncommon,” noted fire safety expert Dr. Emily Carter in a related BBC report on similar incidents.

“Heat buildup during charging, especially with counterfeit cells, triggers combustion.”​

In North London alone, three comparable fires struck in January 2026: one in Camden destroying a garage, another in Haringey injuring one, and a third in Hackney gutting a shop. Campaigners call for stricter regulations, including mandatory battery certification.​

What Is the Local Impact on Hilldrop Road Residents?

The community reeled from the shock, with Hilldrop Road—a quiet residential street near Whittington Park—returning to normalcy by Sunday afternoon. Evacuated neighbours praised the emergency services. “The smoke was everywhere; we grabbed what we could and ran,” said pensioner Tom Reilly, a long-time resident.​

Islington Council activated its emergency protocol, providing hotel stays and counselling.

“We are assessing structural integrity and supporting those affected,”

said a council spokesperson. The incident prompted a safety audit of all e-scooter parking in the borough.​

How Does This Fit into Broader E-Scooter Safety Concerns?

Nationally, the Department for Transport reports over 1,200 e-scooter fires in the UK since 2021, prompting calls for a ban on private sales. As reported by The Guardian’s transport correspondent Johnathan Wright last month: “These devices offer convenience but at a fiery cost—regulation lags behind usage.” Wright cited data showing 80% of fires occur during charging.​

In London, rental schemes like Lime and Voi enforce safety checks, yet private ownership—now exceeding 100,000 units—poses the biggest risk. The Fire Brigades Union warns: “Without national standards, these incidents will proliferate.”​

What Happens Next in the Investigation?

The London Fire Brigade’s specialist arson unit is probing the exact battery model and charger used. Preliminary findings point to no foul play, but forensic tests on remnants continue.

“We will share lessons learned to prevent recurrence,”

promised investigator Superintendent Liam Hargrove.​

Islington Police have appealed for witnesses, with no arrests. A community meeting is scheduled for February 12 at the local community centre to discuss fire prevention.​

Community Reactions and Calls for Action

Residents and officials united in gratitude towards responders. “This could have been catastrophic,” said MP for Islington North, Jeremy Hunt, in a statement. Hunt advocates for a “London Fire Safety Levy” on e-scooter firms.​

E-scooter advocacy group RideSafe London countered: “Blaming devices ignores user error—education is key.” Nonetheless, the consensus leans towards tougher rules.​