The Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service has determined that a lithium‑ion battery that went into thermal runaway caused a house fire on Sept. 22, killing 36‑year‑old Elisha Brabin and her three children, ages 16, 8 and 7. Firefighters found the family in an upstairs bedroom and emergency medics pronounced them dead at the scene. Neighbors tried to save the family after hearing screams, and MFRS urged greater caution after reporting 150 lithium‑ion battery‑linked fires in Merseyside from April 2023 to August 2026. Authorities warned the public to use only manufacturer‑approved chargers and to stop using batteries that are swollen, noisy, hot or emitting odors.
Investigation: Lithium‑Ion Battery Thermal Runaway Caused Merseyside House Fire That Killed Mother And Three Children
Elisha Brabin (left) and her three children all died in a house fire on Sept. 22Credit: Merseyside Police
Authorities have concluded that an electrical fault involving a lithium‑ion battery that went into thermal runaway triggered a devastating house fire on the west coast of England in the early hours of Sept. 22. The blaze killed mother Elisha Brabin, 36, and her three children — Leo, 16; Ellis, 8; and Prudence, 7 — at their home on Stone Square.
Response and Victims
Fire crews from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) arrived at the property at about 3:45 a.m. and found the four family members in an upstairs bedroom showing no signs of life. North West Ambulance Service's Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) pronounced them dead at the scene.
Elisha Brabin, 36 with one of her childrenCredit: Merseyside Police
Investigation Findings
Following a detailed inquiry by the MFRS Incident Investigation Team (IIT) working alongside Merseyside Police, investigators determined the origin of the blaze was "an electrical event causing a lithium‑ion battery to go into thermal runaway." MFRS head of prevention Kevin Johnson described the incident as devastating and praised the efforts of fire control staff, crews and NWAS colleagues who attempted a rescue despite 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," Johnson said.
Community Response
Neighbors heard screaming and tried to help. Local resident Loti Nambombe told the BBC that people attempted to run in, fetch ladders and break windows to reach those trapped — with several nearly risking their own lives.
Leo Brabin, 16, Ellis Brabin, 8, and Prudence Brabin, 7Credit: Merseyside Police
Family Statement
Relatives shared a statement via Merseyside Police expressing their devastation: "Our whole family is devastated by the loss of Elisha, Leo, Ellis and Prudence. Elisha was a devoted mother and the children brought so much joy, happiness and love to our family."
Safety Concerns and Advice
MFRS reported that between April 2023 and August 2026 there were 150 fires in Merseyside linked to items containing lithium‑ion batteries, underscoring a regional safety concern. Authorities urged the public to follow manufacturer instructions and to use only batteries and chargers supplied with a device or explicitly approved by the manufacturer.
The scene of the Sept. 22 house fireCredit: Christopher Furlong/Getty
MFRS also advised stopping use immediately if a battery shows signs of failure, including:
- Visible swelling
- Unusual noises or smells
- Difficulty charging or unexpected heating
- Any visible smoking
If you suspect a battery is failing, disconnect it safely if possible, move it away from combustible materials, and seek professional advice or contact the device manufacturer.
This report reflects official statements from MFRS and Merseyside Police and eyewitness accounts shared with local media.
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