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ccording to fire officials, there was an e-bike charging inside the restaurant right by the bathroom. When it exploded, the woman suddenly found herself imprisoned by a wall of flames.
09 Jul 2025

Resident killed in the bathroom by charging e-bike

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A devastating fire in Queens, NYC, claimed the life of a 76-year-old woman  on July 4, marking New York City's first lithium-ion battery-related fatality of 2025. 

The fire started when an e-bike, reportedly charging near the restroom, exploded and trapped the lady inside.

Despite efforts by firefighters to rescue her, the woman succumbed to her injuries the following day. Four others inside the restaurant managed to escape unharmed.

"She went to the bathroom for one minute," FDNY Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn said. 

"She was trapped. She could not get out of the bathroom because the device was stored directly outside the bathroom. It's a tremendous tragedy."

Authorities add that it all could have been prevented. The tragedy has prompted renewed calls for stricter regulations on lithium-ion battery use in public spaces.

The incident has reignited concerns over the safety of e-mobility devices. FDNY officials report 122 battery-related fires so far this year, and stress the importance of using certified batteries and charging them outdoors. 

Commissioner Robert Tucker emphasized, “One death is too many,” and vowed to continue public safety campaigns.

 

 

 

 

 

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