A Coventry couple died in a fire caused by an e-bike. Families share their story hoping to prevent future tragedies.
Investigators learned an e-bike battery caused the fire. The battery ignited and started the blaze. Now, their families are sharing their story. They hope to stop similar tragedies.
Dell Haughton, a firefighter at West Midlands Fire Service, called it ‘one of the worst ever.’ Natasha and Karlo were asleep when the fire started.
Karlo was only 24. His mum said they were always giggling and hugging. She said they had a beautiful home and he felt at home where he passed away. His mum wants people to know what happened.
She cannot stop the product from being sold. He charged the e-bike overnight just once. That night took them away.
Natasha was 27. Her family remembers her as ‘caring.’ Her sister, Ehsia, misses her dearly. Ehsia looked forward to seeing Natasha. Ehsia feels devastated by Natasha’s loss.
Nothing is worth losing family. An item likely caused damage that turned fatal. It was catastrophic, she says. Firefighter Haughton, who works at Binley Fire Station, said the room was completely burnt.
He called it a devastating scene and has seen bad incidents, but this was one of the worst. Annette Carrington, a Fire Investigation Officer (FIO), studied the e-bike battery. The battery reportedly ‘exploded.’ About 80 cells ruptured. They failed catastrophically, she found.
Emily Fernandez, who heads prevention at WMFS, shared some data. E-bike and e-scooter incidents doubled from 2022 to 2023. Fires linked to lithium-ion batteries rose 50 percent. This type of battery killed Natasha and Karlo.
West Midlands Fire Service shared condolences. They support the family and loved ones. They are grateful for the families’ vital safety message. It could prevent future tragedies.