A tragic incident has left a family devastated and issuing a warning after a young couple and their two dogs died in an e-bike fire. The couple, Natasha and Karlo from Coventry, lost their lives in a massive blaze at their home in Stoke Aldermoor. The fire, sparked by an e-bike battery, resulted in the accidental deaths of Natasha, Karlo, and their beloved pets, Tyagi and Medusa. Neighbours alerted emergency services to the engulfed property on The Coppice on November 8, 2024. The severity of the blaze was described by firefighter Dell Haughton as the worst he had encountered in his 21 years of service.
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) has reported a significant increase in e-bike and lithium-ion battery-related fires over the past two years. Incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters have doubled between 2022 and 2023. As a response, WMFS has released a video to raise awareness about the dangers associated with these products. Assistant chief fire officer Richard Stanton expressed the tragedy of Natasha and Karlo’s deaths and commended their families for sharing their story in the hopes that others can learn from this heartbreaking event.
Natasha’s sister, Ehsia, delivered a poignant message urging people to exercise caution when purchasing e-bikes. She emphasised the importance of acquiring e-bikes that have undergone rigorous testing and safety checks. Ehsia described Natasha as a precious individual, highlighting her unique thoughtfulness and beauty. She expressed how the incident has profoundly changed her perspective on life. The message from the family underscores the devastating impact of the e-bike fire and serves as a solemn reminder of the precautions that need to be taken.
Emily Fernandez, head of prevention at WMFS, stressed the critical need for vigilance when using e-bikes. Proper charging methods, such as charging the e-bike while being awake, using approved chargers, and avoiding charging near fire hazards, were highlighted as crucial safety measures. Fernandez also advised against using conversion kits and recommended charging e-bikes outside residential properties to minimise risks. These safety guidelines aim to prevent similar tragic incidents from occurring in the future and promote responsible e-bike usage within the community.
The heartfelt plea from Natasha’s family and the proactive measures taken by WMFS serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety when using e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries. The devastating loss experienced by Natasha, Karlo, and their dogs has prompted a call for increased awareness and caution among e-bike users. The tragic outcome of the e-bike fire has left a lasting impact on the community, urging individuals to prioritise safety and adhere to recommended guidelines when handling electronic devices. This sombre event underscores the need for stringent safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents from recurring.