Florida homeowner runs from wheelchair after lithium ion batter explodes

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (CBS, KYMA) - A quick-thinking homeowner avoided disaster when she took her electric wheelchair out to her driveway in Hollywood, Florida, where it exploded in a ball of flames in the early hours of Sunday after emitting clicking sounds.

Homeowner Alexandra Anaya bought the wheelchair at a thrift store and had charged the device with a non-manufacturer charger.

Anaya told NBC Miami she woke up to a clicking noise coming from the wheelchair and realized the imminent danger after searching online for answers.

"Instead of ignoring it, she immediately moved it outdoors where it exploded, saving her house and her family from catastrophe, and then called for help and that decision prevented a dangerous lithium battery fire," Hollywood Fire Rescue and Beach Safety said, commending Anaya's quick action in a post on Facebook.

Video shared by the department shows the electric wheelchair exploding and erupting in a ball of flames.