Lithium-ion battery blamed for Merseyside fire that killed mother and children

An electrical event linked to a lithium-ion battery caused the house fire that killed a mother and her three children in Bootle, Merseyside, according to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. Elisha Brabin, 36, and her children, Leo, 16, Ellis, eight, and Prudence, seven, died after the fire spread rapidly through their home on Stone Square in the early hours of 22 September. A man was taken to hospital with burns.

Six fire engines attended the property at the height of the blaze at about 03:45 BST. Firefighters found four people upstairs showing no signs of life, the service said. Kev Johnson of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said the investigation, conducted with Merseyside Police, had confirmed the lithium-ion battery as the source of the fire.

The service did not confirm what the battery was being used for, although such batteries are commonly used in e-bikes and e-scooters. Johnson said the incident demonstrated the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. He urged people to follow manufacturers’ instructions and use only batteries and chargers supplied with the vehicle or approved by its manufacturer.

He also advised people to stop using a battery immediately if it began swelling, making unusual sounds, producing a strong smell, failing to charge or smoking. The fire service said 150 fires linked to lithium-ion batteries had occurred on Merseyside between April 2023 and August 2026. It said five deaths had been associated with such batteries during that period.

Brabin’s relatives described her as a devoted and loving mother who lived for her children. They said the family was heartbroken and that the loss of Elisha, Leo, Ellis and Prudence would be felt forever. Johnson expressed sympathy for the family and those injured, and praised fire service and ambulance personnel who tried to save the victims.

He said the speed and intensity of the fire meant their efforts could not produce a different outcome.