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Hoverboard bursts into flames, destroys Broward County home

Posted at 9:39 AM, Aug 18, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-18 09:39:43-04

A South Florida family is devastated after a hoverboard caught fire and exploded, torching two rooms inside a house.

The blaze happened at the home located at 833 Argonaut Isle in Dania Beach.

RELATED: VIDEO - Man jumps off hoverboard before it erupts in flames  

Broward Sheriff's Fire Rescue said the hoverboard was plugged up inside a bedroom when it went up in flames, then the batteries exploded and flew into another bedroom causing a second fire.

 

"There was quite a large pyrotechnic display, flaming pieces and chunks of plastic the size of a golf ball. I poked my head around the door because I saw several fly across the hallway," said homeowner Lawrence Gaalswyk.

The hoverboard had been plugged in for weeks, which likely caused the batteries to overheat and catch fire.

Gaalswyk said the gadget was purchased online with no safety seal on it.

Fire Rescue officials advised consumers to not leave hoverboards or any large electronics plugged in for days unless they are ensured to be safe. 

Gaalswyk said he will never bring a hoverboard to his house again.

Courtesy of news partners at NBC Miami