A FAMILY was left homeless when a deathtrap hoverboard charger deemed high risk by the Government exploded hours after being delivered by Amazon.
Chelsea Fiekert received the Chinese kit at 12pm and only used it for half an hour before it sparked a devastating fire which destroyed her house at 9.40pm.
A death-trap hoverboard charger, purchased on Amazon, destroyed her family home after sparking a devastating fire
Doorbell footage showed her saving her children and dogs
Dramatic doorbell video showed her saving her kids and dogs before firefighters battled flames until 4am in Eastbourne, East Sussex, on August 29.
Investigators ruled the blaze was caused by the lithium battery in the Tyzygmy Li-ion Charger which is still being sold for £20.99 on Amazon.
The Sun can reveal a Government report issued in May last year warned the exact same segway and e-scooter accessory poses a “high risk of fire and electric shock”.
The alert ruled the only corrective action was to destroy the products due to the transformer’s “poor build quality” and as its fuse is “considered counterfeit”.
Chelsea, 31, slammed “irresponsible” Amazon’s online marketplace as the “Wild West” and issued a stark warning over dangerous electricals.
She said: “Amazon must be held to account. I’ve found so many other fires caused by dodgy chargers.
“It has a duty of care over products sold through its website and must make sure electricals are properly checked.
“I have complained to customer services and tried leaving a review warning others but it keeps getting rejected which I think is very dangerous.
“I will do everything in my power to get these banned as it is risking costing customers their lives.”
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service sent six fire engines and confirmed one property was “seriously affected by the fire”.
Chelsea’s daughter Aaliyah, 14, son Leo, 13, her seven-year-old niece, her friend’s daughter Daisy Waters, 13, and all four dogs were unharmed.
They are now living in temporary accommodation and relying on donations from the public as they piece their lives together without home insurance.
Aesthetics practitioner Chelsea, who is instructing a solicitor to take legal action, added: “It could have been fatal and may well be next time.
“This product sold on Amazon destroyed our home, belongings and our entire lives.
“I heard a popping sound and panicked when I saw the plug-in part was on fire.
“I was screaming for everyone to get out of the house while ringing 999. The kids rushed out the front door as I gathered the dogs out the back.
“A neighbour came around with a fire extinguisher but the flames went up so quickly and were already up to the hallway ceiling. It was too late.”
Amazon and the National Fire Chiefs Council were approached for comment.
An Amazon spokesperson said: “Safety is a top priority at Amazon and we want customers to shop with confidence on our stores.
“The product has been removed. We are saddened to hear about the incident and we are in contact with the customer.”
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Station Manager and Fire Investigation Lead Scott Saunders said: “East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service reminds everyone that the risks of charging items such as e-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards aren’t always fully understood.
“To protect your home and loved ones, always buy from reputable suppliers and make sure you always follow safe charging practices such as only charging during the day and ensuring chargers are unplugged before going to bed. If you need to store them indoors, keep them away from escape routes and ensure exits remain clear at all times.
“If a fire starts never attempt to tackle it yourself, get out, stay out and call 999.”
It comes after another devastating explosion in which a man tragically died.
Robert Fenwick was left fighting for his life after the horror blast ripped through a property on Wheatley Drive, in Longridge, Lancashire.
Elsewhere, it seems it’s not just Amazon chargers buyers need to shop wearily with.
Samsung fans were quick to notice an ‘insane’ battery mistake plaguing it’s newest lineup of Fold phones has caused the paint to peel off some devices.
Charger usage safety advice
DUBLIN Fire Brigade issued a major warning and told how best to charge phones.
Leaving your phone under your pillow at night while charging is a common mistake made by millions of phone users – but it could be deadly.
The fire Brigade advised: “Using a genuine charger is the safest option.
“Never charge overnight and never leave your phone on your bed whilst charging.”
The PSA warned that charging and sleeping could lead to “fire, electric shock, damage to the iPhone or other property.”
TikTok user @niickjackson broke down the announcement in a helpful video to followers.
He said: “If you charge this phone while you sleep, you need to watch this video.
“A bunch of people are really upset with Apple because they basically just came out with a huge emergency warning to everybody that owns an iPhone.
“They’re saying that people are charging their phones incorrectly and they’re plugging it up overnight, leaving it under a blanket or a pillow or sleeping on it.
The family were forced to quickly flee their home
Footage showed the dramatic moment as her son fled with the family dog
Firefighters battled flames until 4am
The device had only been used for half an hour before it caused the fire
The charger, advertised as ‘safe’, was deemed high risk by the Government