Mum and three kids killed in Bootle home hearth as explanation for blaze shared
An electrical event triggered thermal runaway in a lithium-ion battery, starting the Bootle house fire that killed Elisha Brabin, 36, and her three children, an investigation has found
Elisha Brabin, 36, died alongside three of her children(Image: Merseyside Police)
A devastating fire that claimed the lives of a mother and her three children was sparked by a lithium-ion battery, according to an investigation by the fire service.
Elisha Brabin, 36, and her children Leo Brabin, 16, Ellis Brabin, eight, and seven-year-old Prudence Brabin tragically lost their lives in the blaze at their Bootle, Merseyside home in the early hours of Tuesday, September 22.
The probe into the cause of the inferno revealed it was ignited by an electrical event which triggered a lithium-ion battery to enter thermal runaway, a spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) explained.
Prudence Brabin, 7(Image: Merseyside Police)
Thermal runaway is a dangerous scenario where the battery produces more heat than it can safely dissipate, leading to a rapid and uncontrolled surge in temperature.
Ms Brabin and her children were discovered in an upstairs bedroom by firefighters who were summoned to the Stone Square property around 3.45am. Another individual was rushed to hospital suffering from burns. The dad is believed to have tried to get into the house to rescue his family, but was beaten back by the flames.
Kev Johnson, head of prevention at MFRS, said: “This is a devastating incident, and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the mother and children who lost their lives and those who were injured.
Ellis Brabin, 8(Image: Merseyside Police)
“I would like to commend the efforts of our fire control staff and our fire crews, also working with NWAS colleagues, who made every effort to provide a different outcome, but sadly this was not the case due to 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.” The fire service hasn’t confirmed what the battery was being used for, but these are commonly found in e-bikes and e-scooters.
The service reported that there had been 150 fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in Merseyside between April 2023 and August 2026, with five fatalities associated with these batteries.
Leo Brabin, 16(Image: Merseyside Police)
Mr Johnson urged: “We’re urging people to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, only using batteries and chargers which have been supplied with the vehicle or approved by the manufacturer, as anything else can pose a huge fire risk.
“It’s also important to know and recognise the signs that your lithium-ion battery may be failing – if it is swelling, making unusual sounds, has a strong smell, is failing to charge, or is smoking, please stop using immediately.”
Following their tragic deaths, Ms Brabin’s family described her as a “devoted and loving mother who lived for her children”.
They expressed: “The tragic loss of Elisha and our three precious children has left us heartbroken. They have all been taken from us far too soon. The loss we are experiencing is unimaginable, and the impact on our family will be felt forever.”
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