E-Scooter Fire in the Bronx: 1 Child Killed, 4 People in Critical Condition

In the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx district in New York City, a fire broke out in an apartment unit just before 01:00 on Wednesday, October 28. More than 100 firefighters and emergency medical personnel responded to the blaze that started on the 11th floor of a building on Morris Avenue in the Patterson Houses housing complex. The teams reached the scene in less than four minutes after the alarm was received.

Five People Rescued from the Apartment

According to CBS News, the fire crews rescued three children and two adults from the apartment engulfed in flames and smoke. A 10‑year‑old boy taken to the hospital died at Jacobi Hospital. Two teenagers, a 37‑year‑old man and a 32‑year‑old woman were admitted for critical treatment.

The Fire's Cause: Lithium‑Ion Battery

Fire officials said the blaze was caused by the lithium‑ion battery of an electric scooter being charged in the kitchen. FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore noted that the device was located at a point that would block the kitchen exit, making it difficult for family members to leave the apartment safely.

Record Rise in Battery‑Powered Fires in 2026

According to information provided by Bonsignore, 401 fires and 6 deaths caused by lithium‑ion batteries were recorded within 2026. These figures were reported to have exceeded the levels seen in previous years during the same period of the year. Officials warned that fires caused by these batteries could spread rapidly and pose a serious danger.

Security Warning from Mayor Mamdani

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, in a statement following the incident, highlighted that fires caused by lithium‑ion batteries are preventable. Mamdani urged New Yorkers to store small electric transport devices such as e‑bikes and scooters not inside homes but in suitable outdoor areas.

Attention Drawn to Charging Rules Inside Homes

The New York Housing Authority (NYCHA) permits electric bicycles to be stored in apartments. However, the vehicles must not have their exits closed, and an adult must remain awake and present beside the device during charging. In a Bronx fire, it was reported that the vehicle being charged in the kitchen was positioned close to the apartment door, making escape more difficult.