E-bike battery explosion causes road closure: Nanaimo RCMP

An RCMP officer drives a police vehicle in Surrey, B.C., on Friday, April 28, 2023 THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

An explosion that drew a large response police response and road closure in Nanaimo Sunday morning was likely due to an e-bike battery, according to authorities.

The Nanaimo RCMP says officers were called to a wooded area near the 900 block of Terminal Avenue North just after 8 a.m. for the reported explosion.

“To minimize the risk to the public and to allow investigators to respond safely, police closed a section of Terminal Ave North to pedestrians and motorists,” Const. Gary O’Brien wrote in a statement.

Firefighters, paramedics, and RCMP Forensic Identification Services also attended. Police consulted with the RCMP explosives unit.

First responders found “significant metal debris” in the area, and police say preliminary findings indicate it was an e-bike battery that exploded.

Nobody was injured and there was no property damage, according to police.

Terminal Avenue North reopened at about 10 a.m.