Preston-born mum and partner killed in house fire started by e-bike battery

The aftermath of the fire on Peter Street. Credit: The Blackpool Lead

A Preston woman died in a house fire which was started by an e-bike battery exploding.

Danielle Bamber, 24, and partner Joshua Pearson, 28, both died as a result of a fire which broke out quickly and devastatingly at their home in Blackpool in July.

An inquest heard the fire started at around 2.30am and its effects were so quick that Danielle tragically died at the scene and Joshua was taken to hospital but could not be saved. One of the couple’s young boys was rescued by neighbours before the second was brought to safety by fire crews.

The inquest at Blackpool Town Hall heard evidence from forensic scientist Paola Ponticelli who concluded that the blaze broke out suddenly from e-bike battery packs which were being stored in the living room.

She referenced CCTV footage from outside the address which showed “several flashing lights with bangs and crackles” and then minutes later two loud bangs occurred and smoke began to appear.

Ms Ponticelli said analysis of the house found several bikes being stored inside the living and dining area, and that copper discharges found in the most damaged area pointed towards a lithium battery having exploded.

DCI John McNamara explained that while previous issues with neighbours – “including violence and criminal damage” – initially caused concern, there was no reason to suggest anyone else was involved.

Meanwhile, analysis of Joshua’s phone showed he was involved in the buying, selling and repairing of cars and e-bikes, with “clear evidence” he had been tampering with batteries and that he had had issues with one bike in particular.

Summing up one piece of evidence, Mr Wilson said: “Joshua had a hobby where he would buy and sell e-bikes. He would do them from home and stored the bikes in the dining room. Danielle didn’t like this and asked him to keep them outside but he continued to do so.”

Giving evidence, Home Office forensic pathologist Dr Matthew Cieka explained the impact of smoke inhalation was both quick and aggressive and was the medical cause of death for Danielle, while Joshua’s was recorded as “effects of fire”.

The inquest also heard there were no smoke alarms fitted inside the privately rented house. This would be a breach of the Landlord and Tenant Act which requires at least one alarm to be fitted on each floor of rented accommodation and is to be investigated by Blackpool Council.

While he said the smoke alarm would probably have made no difference to the outcome, senior coroner Alan Wilson said: “I’ll be writing to Blackpool Council about that issue relating to the alarms. It’s a private rented property but I will be writing to the council about that as a matter of concern.”

Concluding the inquest, Mr Wilson said the fire was a result of over-charging and a “deficient battery management system”.

He said: “I’m confident that from the available evidence that the batteries were very likely to be the cause of the fire and I’m absolutely clear that this is not an incident that should have led to any criminal proceedings.”

Mr Wilson recorded conclusions of accidental death.

A version of this article first appeared in The Blackpool Lead. Sign up for free here.

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