Lithium-ion battery caused fire that killed mother and three children, investigation finds

A fire that killed a mother and her three children in Bootle, Merseyside, was caused by an electrical event that sent a lithium-ion battery into thermal runaway, a spokesman for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) said.

Elisha Brabin, 36, and her children Leo Brabin, 16, Ellis Brabin, eight, and seven-year-old Prudence Brabin died in the fire at their home on Stone Square in the early hours of Tuesday, September 22. Firefighters called to the property at about 3.45am found them in an upstairs bedroom.

A fifth casualty was taken to hospital with burns.

Thermal runaway occurs when a battery generates more heat than it can safely release, causing its temperature to rise rapidly and uncontrollably. MFRS has not confirmed what the battery was being used for, although lithium-ion batteries are often used in e-bikes and e-scooters.

Kev Johnson, MFRS head of prevention, said the tragedy highlighted the “very real risks” posed by lithium-ion batteries and said the service had confirmed the battery as the source of the fire.

MFRS said 150 fires linked to lithium-ion batteries had occurred in Merseyside between April 2023 and August 2026, with five fatalities linked to the batteries.

Johnson urged people to follow manufacturers’ instructions and use only batteries and chargers supplied with a vehicle or approved by its manufacturer. He said people should stop using a battery immediately if it is swelling, making unusual sounds, producing a strong smell, failing to charge or smoking.

The family of Ms Brabin described her as a “devoted and loving mother who lived for her children”. They said the loss of Elisha and the three children had left the family heartbroken and that its impact would be felt forever.