E-bike Battery Underwent Repairs Before Fatal Fire, Inquest Hears

An inquest has heard that an e-bike battery linked to a fire that killed a mother and her two young children had been repaired before the blaze. Gemma Germeney, 31, and her children, Lilly, eight, and Oliver, four, died in the fire that occurred on Sackville Close in Cambridge on June 30, 2023. The children's father, Scott Peden, survived the incident.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service initially stated that the most probable cause of the fire was an e-bike that was charging at the time. Peden informed the inquest that he had purchased a replacement battery after the original was stolen. He had taken the bike to a repairman twice for work on the battery.

Peden stated he had bought the bike online for £900 and it was in "perfect working order" until an incident where he lost the key. The battery was stolen a few months later. Unable to afford a new one immediately, Peden purchased a second-hand replacement online approximately nine days before the fire. He noted that this replacement "seemed to take a while to charge" but was sufficient for his needs until it stopped working again near his home.

A repairman, identified as Stoil Severinov, was recommended to Peden. According to Peden, Severinov first adjusted the fuse, stating the battery was too powerful for the existing one. After the bike cut out again, Peden returned to Severinov, who then allegedly offered to "bypass the cells" of the battery as a temporary fix. Peden said he was not informed of any risks associated with this repair. He paid £10 for this temporary solution, with the understanding he would return to purchase a new battery and charger.

On the night of the fire, Peden reported hearing a "massive bang" that was very loud and felt throughout the house.

Severinov, testifying through an interpreter, stated he worked on e-bike repairs. He confirmed that on the first visit, he changed the socket and fuse, describing it as a "temporary fix." On the second visit, he said he only changed the fuse. Severinov claimed he had advised Peden that a new battery was needed and asserted he had "never done anything to the battery cells" as he lacked the expertise. He recalled telling Peden it was a temporary fix.

The court was informed that Severinov had been interviewed under caution by the Office for Product Safety and Standards. This office has the authority to initiate criminal proceedings. A decision on whether to pursue criminal charges against any individuals or organizations has not yet been made.

A statement read at the inquest by the coroner, on behalf of Germeney's mother, described Germeney and the children as their "complete world" and characterized them as "beautiful, funny, extremely kind, loving and caring." The inquest is ongoing.