An investigation has confirmed that a lithium-ion battery caused the house fire in Bootle, Merseyside, which claimed the lives of a mother and her three children. The blaze broke out at a home on Stone Square in the early hours of Tuesday, September 22, and was traced to an electrical event that led the battery to enter thermal runaway, according to a spokesman for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS).
Elisha Brabin, 36, and her children Leo Brabin, 16, Ellis Brabin, eight, and seven-year-old Prudence Brabin died in the incident. Firefighters, called to the scene at approximately 3.45am, discovered the four victims in an upstairs bedroom. A fifth casualty was taken to hospital with burns.
Investigation findings and response
Thermal runaway occurs when a battery produces more heat than it can safely dissipate, causing its temperature to rise rapidly and uncontrollably. MFRS has not specified what device the battery was powering, but noted that such batteries are commonly found in e-bikes and e-scooters. The service reported 150 fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in Merseyside between April 2023 and August 2026, with five fatalities attributed to them during that period.
Kev Johnson, head of prevention at MFRS, said: “This is a devastating incident, and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the mother and children who lost their lives and those who were injured.” He praised the efforts of fire control staff, fire crews, and North West Ambulance Service colleagues, stating: “who made every effort to provide a different outcome, but sadly this was not the case due to the speed and intensity of the fire. This tragedy highlights the very real risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, which we confirmed as the source of the fire.”
Safety advice and family tribute
Mr Johnson urged the public to follow manufacturer’s instructions, using only batteries and chargers supplied with a vehicle or approved by the manufacturer, as “anything else can pose a huge fire risk.” He also advised recognising warning signs of battery failure, such as swelling, unusual sounds, a strong smell, failure to charge, or smoking, and to stop using the battery immediately if any of these occur.
Following the deaths, the family of Ms Brabin described her as a “devoted and loving mother who lived for her children.” They added: “The tragic loss of Elisha and our three precious children has left us heartbroken. They have all been taken from us far too soon. The loss we are experiencing is unimaginable, and the impact on our family will be felt forever.”
Emergency services remained at the scene throughout Tuesday, and floral tributes were placed near the property. The investigation into the fire concluded with the confirmation of the battery as the cause, underscoring the broader risks associated with lithium-ion devices in the region.
