Backpackers near miss as e-bike battery explodes in Sydney hotel fire

CCTV obtained by Fire and Rescue NSW shows the moment a lithium-ion battery explodes inside a hostel in Darlinghurst, Sydney.

A faulty e-bike battery left on charge is suspected to be responsible for sparking the blaze which broke out just after 9am on October 4.

Two French nationals are seen in the footage, one in the doorway and another still inside the room when a device suddenly explodes in flames.

The man inside the room bolts out the door at the same time as the fireball rushes out.

One of the men, aged in his 20s, was taken to hospital with minor burns to his leg.

Six fire trucks and 22 firefighters were called to the blaze and were able to contain damage to the one unit.

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Surrounding streets were closed and 70 people evacuated from the building while crews responded.

According to FRNSW lithium-ion batteries are the fastest growing fire risk in the state.

They are highly-flammable and fire can be caused by overcharging or use of a non-compliant charger, overheating or exposure to heat, damage, and other faults and defects.

The fire is now being investigated by FRNSW and NSW Police.