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Fire Which Killed Mother and Three Children Caused by Battery
Investigators said the blaze spread rapidly after an electrical event caused a battery to enter thermal runaway, and five people were injured or killed.
Elisha Brabin and her three children died in a house fire at Stone Square in Bootle on Tuesday, September 22. An investigation by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed a lithium-ion battery caused the blaze, which spread rapidly through the home.
An investigation found the fire originated from an electrical event that caused a lithium-ion battery to enter thermal runaway, generating uncontrollable heat. MFRS identified the battery as the source, though its specific use in e-bikes or e-scooters remains unconfirmed.
Following the deaths, the family described Elisha as a "devoted and loving mother who lived for her children." They said the loss of Elisha, Leo, Ellis, and Prudence is "unimaginable," leaving the family heartbroken.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service reported 150 fires linked to lithium-ion batteries between April 2023 and August 2026, resulting in five fatalities. Kev Johnson, head of prevention at MFRS, urged users to follow manufacturer instructions to avoid fire risks.
Johnson warned that signs of failing batteries include swelling, unusual sounds, strong smells, or smoking. He urged the public to stop using any battery displaying these symptoms immediately to prevent tragedies like the Bootle fire.
A house fire in Merseyside on Tuesday killed a 36-year-old mother and her three children. An investigation has revealed that a lithium-ion battery caused the fire.