A tragic fire in the Bronx resulted in the death of a 34-year-old man and injuries to several others on Thursday night. The fire, caused by a lithium-ion battery being charged for an e-bike, is the fifth fatality in a similar incident this year. The victim, a quiet delivery driver who lived on the top floor of the building, was unable to escape the blaze. Neighbors recounted seeing him come home from work with the batteries, tragically, the last time they saw him alive.
Several residents were injured in the fire, including one man needing to be rescued by firefighters as he hung out of a window trying to breathe. The Red Cross is providing temporary housing for six adults affected by the fire. The FDNY’s HAZMAT team safely removed the battery to prevent further incidents.
While lithium-ion battery fires have been a concern in New York City, the number of fatalities has decreased this year compared to last year. The FDNY emphasizes safety precautions, including ensuring batteries and chargers are certified, not charging devices in obstructive locations, and calling 911 immediately in case of a fire. Smoke detectors should also be in working order. Additional safety tips from the FDNY can be found online.
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