Natasha Johnson-Mall, 27, and her boyfriend Karlo Bogdan, 24, “didn’t have a chance” to escape the inferno that engulfed their maisonette in Stoke Aldermoor, Coventry.
The e-bike was located in the corridor of the home. Its battery ignited in the early hours of November 8, causing a rapidly spreading fire. Firefighters reported that the blaze could only surge straight up the stairs and into the bedroom through an open door.
Dell Haughton, a firefighter who attended the scene, described it as “one of the worst” he’d ever witnessed, stating that upon arrival, the house was obscured by thick smoke. “The intensity and the heat was very, very hot,” he said.
“It’s one of the hottest incidents I’ve ever been in. […] Everything was on fire. All the steps were on fire. All the walls were on fire. All the ceiling was on fire. All the doors were on fire.”
Recalling the moment he entered the bedroom and saw the two dogs, he added: “I’ve seen some bad incidents in my 21 years, but this is without doubt one of the worst I’ve ever seen. It was horrible.”
An inquest held today (19) ruled their deaths as accidental. West Midlands Fire Service released a film today (19), urging the public to handle e-bikes with care.
Despite the best efforts of the crews, the couple and their dogs Tyagi and Medusa were pronounced dead at the scene.
“The world has lost a truly precious person-uniquely thoughtful and beautiful in every way,” mourned Natasha’s sister, Ehsia.
“I’ll never be the same, and I’ll never look at life the same.
“Unless you can afford to purchase an e-bike that has undergone rigorous testing and safety checks, do not buy one.”
The West Midlands Fire Service has reported a 50% increase in e-bike and lithium-ion related battery fires over the past two years.
Assistant chief fire officer Richard Stanton called for immediate action. “It’s tragic that Natasha and Karlo lost their lives,” he said.
“Their families have shown incredible courage and compassion by speaking out in our video, hoping others might learn from this heartbreaking incident.
“The rapid escalation of fires involving lithium-ion batteries poses a serious risk. Without proper precautions, these fires can devastate homes and lives within minutes.”
Experts advise owners to charge E-bikes while awake, unplug once fully charged, use the approved charger that came with the product, and exercise extreme caution with conversion kits.
