Shocking Footage: Florida Homeowner’s Quick Escape from Exploding Wheelchair Caught on Camera

In a dramatic incident captured on video, a Florida resident narrowly escaped disaster when her wheelchair, moments before it erupted into flames, allowed her to swiftly flee the scene. The event unfolded in Hollywood, Florida, and has since drawn attention to the potential hazards of mismatched charging equipment.

According to Hollywood Fire Rescue and Beach Safety, the homeowner, Alexandra Anaya, recounted the unnerving experience. She mentioned hearing an unusual clicking sound emanating from the battery pack of the electric wheelchair she had recently acquired from a thrift store. The chair, equipped with a lithium battery, was being charged using a non-manufacturer charger at the time.

Reflecting on the incident, Anaya shared with WTVJ, “It was the clicking that kept me from returning to bed, prompting me to investigate further.” Her curiosity and quick actions likely prevented a more severe outcome.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of using manufacturer-recommended equipment, especially when dealing with devices powered by lithium batteries. Meanwhile, in other local news, an 18-year-old has been arrested in connection to a deadly arson in St. Petersburg, according to police reports.

She said the battery felt hot, so she went to Google to find out what the problem could be.

“It said ‘imminent danger, put it on cement or somewhere where other things won’t catch on fire,’” Anaya said.

So she brought it to her driveway. Moments later, it exploded.

“I heard it hiss first before it exploded and that’s why I turned to run,” Anaya said.

Anaya told WTVJ that pieces of the wheelchair hit her in the back as she ran away.

“Today, and have been, just being grateful out loud, talking to the big man, just thanking Him, I still have a house, I’m not homeless and I got my sister and we’re not hurt,” Anaya told the news station. “If it would have gone out, firefighters said flames were high enough it would have got the roof.”

Hollywood Fire Rescue shared some lithium battery safety tips:

1. Stop using a device if you hear clicking, popping, or hissing, or see swelling.
2. Move it to a non‑combustible area if safe.
3. Use the correct charger: cheap or incompatible chargers can be dangerous.
4. Check the battery for excess heat while charging.
5. Never leave batteries charging unattended.
6. Call 911 if you see smoke or signs of thermal runaway.