E-bike Battery Fire Claims Lives of Couple, Dogs in Coventry

A tragic house fire in Coventry claimed the lives of a young couple, Natasha Johnson-Mall, 27, and Karlo Bogdan, 24, along with their two dogs, Tyagi and Medusa, after an e-bike battery ignited. The fire, described by firefighters as one of the worst they have encountered, broke out on November 8, 2024, and was ruled accidental following an inquest. West Midlands Fire Service reported a significant rise in e-bike and lithium-ion battery fires over the past two years, with incidents doubling from 2022 to 2023. Natasha's sister, Ehsia, urged caution among potential e-bike buyers, recommending only purchasing models that have undergone rigorous safety testing. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Richard Stanton expressed condolences and highlighted the importance of awareness regarding the risks associated with e-bike batteries. This heartbreaking incident has led to the release of a safety awareness video by West Midlands Fire Service to educate the public on the dangers of e-bike fires.