Extreme battery test explosion injures 2 at GM research lab

GM Battery Fire

A battery explosion took place this morning at GM’s Warren Technical Center in Warren, Mich., injuring two people and causing a small fire. The explosion occurred in Warren Technical Center’s battery research lab. According to reports, the explosion involved a lithium-ion battery.

Warren Deputy Fire Chief Gary Wilkinson told media that when crews arrived at the scene, they found a small fire in one of the labs and discovered two workers inside.

One of the employees sustained some serious injuries and was transported to the hospital. Wilkinson said the injuries were not life threatening. The second employee was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

We’ll have more details later.

Update: GM Released the following statement:

We are aware of an incident this morning about 8:45 a.m. in one of the laboratories at the Alternative Energy Center at the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Mich. Fire and emergency authorities were called to the scene. The building was evacuated. All employees have been accounted for. We are aware of five employees being evaluated on scene by medical personal and only one employee is being further treated.

The incident is still under investigation by GM and the Warren authorities. Any information or discussion of the nature of the work in the lab or cause of the incident is entirely speculative and cannot be confirmed at this time. The incident was unrelated to the Chevrolet Volt or any other production vehicle. The incident was related to extreme testing on a prototype battery.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Autonews, WXYZ