An early morning fire in Philadelphia that killed a woman and left a four-year-old girl critically injured on Friday was caused by a charging e-bike battery, the Philadelphia Fire Department said Saturday.
Videos by Wide Open Country
NBC 10 Philadelphia first covered the fire on Friday, June 19, after it was reported to first responders at around 4:45 a.m. at the 2600 block of S Mildred Street.
Three people were rescued from the home and taken to the hospital. Unfortunately, just six months after moving into the Philadelphia residence, a 49-year-old grandmother later succumbed to her injuries.
A four-year-old girl remains in critical condition. Her mother is reportedly the other injured victim, CBS News reported.
Philadelphia Fire Department Executive Chief Daniel McCarty told NBC10 at the scene that the victims were unresponsive when crews found them, and one was in cardiac arrest. Two victims were found in the first-floor kitchen area, and officials believe they attempted to escape.
The Massive Home Fire Was Allegedly Caused by a Charging E-Bike
Investigators have determined that the fire was caused by an e-bike charging inside the home, per CBS News.
"Looks like a heavy bulk of fire started on the first floor," PFD Executive Chief Daniel McCarty told 6abc.
"Two were found in the first-floor kitchen area," he said of the victims. "It looks like they potentially awoke to the smoke and fire. I can't confirm that, I was not there. But, where they were found by our responders, it looks like they were trying to make it out."
The victims have not been named publicly at this time.
The PFD shared a heartfelt message regarding the tragedy on Facebook.
"Our hearts are with family members and neighbors in South Philly after a tragic fire yesterday morning. Please keep them, and the responding firefighters and medics, in your thoughts," the department wrote.
An investigation is ongoing.
