Brooklyn house fire that killed three generations of same family blamed on battery used in electric scooter
A house fire in Brooklyn that killed three generations of the same family was caused by a lithium-ion battery, according to the FDNY. FOX 5 NY’s Lissette Nuñez has the latest.
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00:00 This morning we're learning more about that deadly house fire in Brooklyn that killed three generations all from the same family.
00:06 The FDNY said a lithium-ion battery started that fire that brings the number of lives lost to these dangerous batteries in the city this year to at least 17 people.
00:15 Fox 5's Lizette Nunez joins us from the scene of this tragedy in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Lizette, good morning.
00:24 Good morning, Dana and Tishani. Just a really devastating situation and at one point you could just hear the frustration in the fire commissioner's voice because fires like these happen just way too often in the city.
00:39 At one point, the commissioner even pointed the finger at retailers and food delivery apps saying they have to do more.
00:47 Neighbors embracing each other as they grieve the loss of a beloved Brooklyn family. Three of its members were killed following a house fire sparked by a lithium-ion battery.
00:58 It's a hot pill to swallow. It's too much.
01:00 81-year-old Alberta West, her son 58-year-old Michael West and her grandson 33-year-old Jamil West died. Several others, including a firefighter, were injured.
01:11 Fire officials say the battery was part of an electric scooter that belonged to one of the victims who passed away.
01:18 The fire began Sunday morning at this home along Albany Avenue in Crown Heights.
01:24 FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanaugh described the scene as a wall of fire, making it challenging for residents to get out and for firefighters to get in.
01:34 An all too dangerous and familiar sight due to fires caused by lithium-ion batteries.
01:40 So far this year, 17 people have died due to fires caused by these batteries that are prone to overheating.
01:48 This is truly a life and death situation.
01:51 These batteries are found in e-bikes and electric scooters, modes of transportation often used by people who deliver food in New York City.
02:00 The problem is sometimes the batteries are not safety tested or certified, but are still sold anyway.
02:07 Legislation has been passed locally to prevent fires just like this one, but fire officials say more still needs to be done.
02:14 Commissioner Kavanaugh calling out both retailers and food delivery apps.
02:19 Private industry can take action that would immediately save lives.
02:22 There is blood on the hands of this private industry, both from the online retailers who continue to sell these illegal devices to this day,
02:30 and from the food delivery apps who continue to think that this problem will solve itself.
02:34 Grubhub responding in a statement saying we're surprised and disappointed by the commissioner's comments,
02:40 given our close working relationship and because we stood with FDNY and city officials earlier this year to commit to increasing fire safety education and outreach in New York City.
02:53 Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Walmart says Walmart has zero tolerance for fraudulent sellers or the sale of products with false claims.
03:01 Like our customers, we expect sellers and suppliers to provide accurate and honest descriptions about their products.
03:08 And another update here, we did tell you about the firefighter who was seriously injured and was taken to the hospital.
03:18 The commissioner did go on to say that firefighter is now at home and recovering from his injuries.
03:24 We're live in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
03:25 Dana Tishoni with some things back inside.
03:27 And as thank excuse me, Lizette, thank you.