Cambridge resident Scott Peden lost his 31-year-old partner Gemma, together with his eight-year-old daughter Lilly and four-year-old son Oliver, when an internet purchase of an e-bike battery exploded and caught fire.
In addition to leaving 30-year-old Mr. Peden in a coma for a month and with severe injuries, the family’s two dogs perished in the fire.
Mr. Peden stated that “life hasn’t been the same since” the deadly fire, which occurred one year ago in June.
“I feel like my life has ended and I don’t know how to move on,” he stated.
I was unaware of the risks associated with these lithium-ion batteries prior to the incident. I never would have thought a battery could be so harmful, especially since I bought it online and felt it would be safe.
“While my family was sleeping, the battery beneath my staircase detonated. A flamethrower-like stream of flame was ascending the steps.
“The house quickly filled with smoke and flames. They couldn’t escape even after I told them to jump.
“I’ve lost everything from that one night and my heart has been left broken.”
