Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Lithium-ion battery caused Bronx fire that killed one, injured several others, FDNY says
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Dec 4, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Dec 4, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
One man died and several other people were injured in a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery at an apartment building in the Bronx Sunday night, according to FDNY officials.
Firefighters found an electric bike in the apartment where the fire broke out, on the 10th floor of 1440 Bronx River Ave. in Soundview around 7 p.m. As they worked to quell the blaze at the NYCHA building, first responders discovered 39-year-old Hiriam Borrero-Echeverria in critical condition.
He was transported to Jacobi Hospital in Morris Park, where he was pronounced dead.
Police said at least three other neighbors were also taken to Jacobi to be treated for smoke inhalation. At least four other people were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
A total of 78 firefighters from 20 units were needed to bring the blaze under control, the FDNY said.
Borrero-Echeverria is the 18th New Yorker to die this year as a result of faulty lithium-ion batteries, according to fire officials.
Last month, officials blamed electric scooter batteries for an intense fire that tore through a Crown Heights brownstone, killing three family members across three generations.
At a press conference at the scene, FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh slammed retailers for continuing to sell uncertified, untested devices and delivery apps for promoting their use.
She said the number of fatalities this year was “staggering and devastating” and that the city was on track to have more than 100 fire deaths in 2023, “an extraordinary number not seen in decades.”
This is a developing story and may be updated.
Tagged
electric bikes
fdny
new york city
public safety
nycha
bronx
batteries
soundview
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
After Trump defunding, thousands losing rental assistance in NYC may finally have relief
The Trump administration issued new guidance outlining a plan to replace expiring rental assistance vouchers with a new program.
By
David Brand
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 6:30 a.m. ET
Blind man dismissed from grand jury duty can sue NY for discrimination, judge rules
Albert Elia accused officials of "systemic discrimination" against blind people looking to serve on juries.
By
Samantha Max
News
Blind man dismissed from grand jury duty can sue NY for discrimination, judge rules
Albert Elia accused officials of "systemic discrimination" against blind people looking to serve on juries.
By
Samantha Max
Gatorade recall affects drinks sold in New York and New Jersey
By
Giulia Heyward
Gov. Hochul declares upstate NY measles outbreak a ‘disaster emergency’
By
Caroline Lewis
NYPD detective forced to retire after false statements in Brooklyn investigation
By
Charles Lane
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .