Lithium-ion battery blamed for Merseyside house fire that killed four
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service says a lithium-ion battery caused the house fire in Bootle that killed a mother and her three children. The service said an electrical event triggered thermal runaway and urged people to use approved batteries and chargers, while replacing devices showing signs of failure.
A lithium-ion battery caused the house fire in Bootle, Merseyside, that killed a mother and her three children, the local fire and rescue service has said. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said an electrical event caused the battery to enter “thermal runaway”, producing the blaze. The fire broke out at about 3.45 a.m.
on Tuesday, September 22, and crews found four people in an upstairs bedroom with no signs of life. The victims were identified by police as Elisha Brabin, 36, and her children Leo, 16, Ellis, eight, and Prudence, seven. North West ambulance’s hazardous area response team later confirmed that all four had died.
Six fire crews attended and eight firefighters entered the house, which was already alight when they arrived. The fire service did not say what the battery was being used for. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in vapes, e-bikes and e-scooters.
MFRS head of prevention said the incident demonstrated the risks associated with the batteries. The service urged people to follow manufacturers’ instructions and use only batteries and chargers supplied with a vehicle or approved by its manufacturer. It also advised people to stop using a battery immediately if it swells, makes unusual sounds, develops a strong smell, fails to charge or begins smoking.
In a family tribute, relatives described Elisha as a devoted mother who lived for her children. They said the deaths had left the family heartbroken and that their loss would affect them for ever.
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