Tributes have been paid to a 13-year-old boy who died from injuries sustained in a house fire caused by an e-bike. Coby Keogh passed away in hospital five days after the blaze broke out at 9:30am on Tuesday, July 1, at a property on Redcar Road in Blackpool.
Victim identified and condition of others
Blackpool Police confirmed on July 6 that Coby Keogh was the victim. A 19-year-old man rescued from the same property remains in a serious condition. Police stated: 'We told you last week about a house fire in Blackpool and we have a sad update to bring you.'
Police statement and investigation
'Our thoughts are with Coby's loved ones at this time, and they are being supported by specially trained officers. A file will be prepared for HM Coroner,' the force said. 'An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing between police and the fire and rescue service and there is no third-party involvement. At this time, we believe the fire was started by an e-bike.'
Safety concerns over e-bikes
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of e-bike batteries and charging practices. The London Fire Brigade has previously warned that e-bike and e-scooter fires are the capital's fastest-growing fire trend, with 88 such fires in 2023 alone. The investigation into the Blackpool fire continues.
