Coroner Determines E-Bike Battery Fire Caused Couple’s Fatalities

A coroner has determined that a house fire, which claimed the lives of a young couple, was “most likely” ignited by defective e-bike batteries. Josh Pearson, aged 28, and Danielle Bamber, aged 24, perished following the blaze that destroyed their residence on Peter Street, Blackpool, during the early hours of July 17. The couple are survived by two young children. Blackpool Coroner Alan Wilson formally registered a verdict of accidental death. This conclusion follows a statement from the London fire service, which has identified e-bikes as an increasingly significant fire hazard in the capital, noting over 130 fires in the city by the end of September – an average exceeding three per week. The coroner stated that Ms Bamber, who was born in Preston, was discovered near the front bay window of the property after a member of the public alerted authorities to the fire around 02:35 BST on July 17. He further noted: “Danielle had become unresponsive after inhaling fumes which proved fatal.” Mr Pearson, a Huddersfield native, was located unconscious by firefighters in a bathroom doorway. He was transported to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, but emergency personnel were unable to resuscitate him despite their efforts. Similar to Ms Bamber, the coroner reported that Mr Pearson “died after he became unresponsive due to inhaling fumes which proved fatal.” The coroner concluded: “The fire most likely started due to an electrical fault on the batteries of electric bikes.” In statements issued shortly after their passing, Mr Pearson’s family conveyed: “Joshua was a much-loved son, that will be sorely missed, who adored his girlfriend and children.” The family of Ms Bamber expressed: “We as a family are devastated by what has happened to Danielle – our daughter – and her family. “Please allow us respect as a family to grieve in peace.”