A ferocious blaze, allegedly ignited by an e-bike battery, tore through a backpackers’ hostel in Sydney’s Potts Point, forcing an urgent early morning evacuation.

Footage released by Fire & Rescue NSW shows the moment the battery exploded with 2 people running for their lives (see below):

Over 60 residents were whisked to safety as emergency services battled intense flames at the Victoria Street establishment.

While investigations continue, preliminary findings point to an e-bike battery as the fire’s origin, which began on the ground floor and quickly consumed the building.

Hear more highlights from Drive with Chris O’Keefe below: