Fatal E-Bike Charger Fire
Blackpool House Fire Kills 13-Year-Old Coby Keogh; E-Bike Charger Remains Suspected Cause
Key Points
Firefighting response included five Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service engines, a command support unit, breathing apparatus, hose reels and a high‑pressure jet to control the blaze, with responders arriving within minutes.
The blaze on Redcar Road began around 9:37 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, according to initial emergency reports.
Coby Keogh died in hospital on Sunday, July 5, five days after the fire began.
Joey Gregory’s family publicly shared an update on social media, with his mother Sally Gregory posting a message urging him to keep fighting: 'Keep fighting sunshine, we ain't going nowhere.'
Two GoFundMe pages were set up to support the family of the 19-year-old victim.
Coby Keogh, a 13-year-old boy from Blackpool, died on Sunday, July 5 — five days after a house fire tore through his home on Redcar Road. The blaze, which broke out at around 9:37 a.m. on June 30, is believed to have been sparked by an e-bike charger, according to Lancashire Evening Post and The Mirror.
A 19-year-old man, Joey Gregory, was left in a serious condition and remains in hospital. Three other occupants of the property escaped with minor injuries. Lancashire Police and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service say there is no evidence of third-party involvement and that the investigation is ongoing, LBC reported.
E-Bike Charger Triggers Rapid, Destructive Blaze
The fire is suspected to have started when an e-bike charger burst into flames inside the Redcar Road property. E-bike battery fires are known to spread fast and burn at extremely high temperatures. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service sent five engines, a command support unit, and crews using breathing apparatus, hose reels, and a high-pressure jet to fight the blaze, according to Lancashire Evening Post.
Firefighters arrived within minutes of the emergency call. Despite their rapid response, the fire caused devastating injuries to those inside. Police confirmed there is no evidence that anyone else started the fire, and both agencies continue to investigate the cause, The Mirror reported.
Coby Keogh Dies Five Days After the Fire
Coby was taken to hospital following the June 30 blaze with serious injuries. He died on Sunday, July 5. He was just 13 years old. His death has devastated the local community in Blackpool, with family and friends paying tribute, according to Lancashire Evening Post.
Authorities confirmed they are now preparing a file for the coroner. Police said there is no indication of any third-party involvement in Coby's death. The investigation remains active, with no confirmed cause officially announced beyond the e-bike charger hypothesis, LBC reported.
Joey Gregory's Family Pleads for Him to Keep Fighting
Joey Gregory, 19, remains in hospital in a serious condition. His mother, Sally Gregory, took to social media to share an emotional update. She urged her son directly: 'Keep fighting sunshine, we ain't going nowhere.' The post drew an outpouring of support from the Blackpool community, according to The Mirror.
Two GoFundMe fundraising pages were set up to help Joey's family cover costs during this difficult time. The public response showed how widely the tragedy has been felt across the local area, Head Topics noted.
E-Bike Fires Pose a Growing Risk in UK Homes
E-bike and e-scooter battery fires have become a rising concern across the UK. Lithium-ion batteries, which power these bikes, can overheat and ignite suddenly — especially when charged with faulty or unofficial chargers. Fire services across England have warned the public to buy certified chargers and avoid charging devices overnight or unattended, according to The Business Times.
The Blackpool fire is the latest in a string of deadly incidents linked to e-bike charging. Experts urge owners never to block escape routes with bikes or chargers. The tragedy of Coby Keogh's death has added fresh urgency to calls for tighter safety standards around e-bike equipment sold in the UK, LBC reported.
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