Luke Albiston O’Donnell

Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS)

The Chief Coroner

I am Anita BHARDWAJ, Area Coroner for the coroner area of Liverpool and Wirral

On 14 August 2024 I commenced an investigation into the death of Luke Marshall ALBISTON O’DONNELL aged 8. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 05 December 2024. The conclusion of the inquest was that: Cause of death: 1a Hypoxia and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Conclusion: Accident

Luke Marshall Albiston O’Donnell was an 8-year-old boy who died in hospital following a fire at his home address. A full investigation was carried out by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service which found an e-bike was on charge in the front room of the house. The fire commenced as a result of the ignition of a lithium battery, from the e-bike, which has come into contact with combustible materials. The failure of the battery cells has enabled the fire to develop rapidly.

During the course of the investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.  In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows: (brief summary of matters of concern) The general public do not appreciate the life-threatening risks involved with having lithium iron batteries, from electronic bikes in this case, stored in domestic properties. There appears to be a lack of communication/media coverage about the dangers involved with storing appliances such as electronic bikes/scooters in domestic properties. There have already been 3 deaths associated with lithium batteries in the home in Merseyside and we have been informed there a number of similar fatalities across England.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you (and/or your organisation) have the power to take such action.