Photo credit: PNA / Courtesy of Kristine Ilumin Sampayan
The said bike did not have an automatic switch mechanism that turns off the device once charging completes
The otherwise serene start of the holy week was disrupted when fire broke out in the quiet municipality of Pozorrubio in Pangasinan, killing a family of five. Sources say the tragedy was caused by an overcharged electric bike.
According to the investigation carried out by the Bureau of Fire Protection, the e-bike was on the ground floor of the family’s residence and was left plugged in overnight.
The said bike did not have an automatic switch mechanism that turns off the device once charging completes. The fire that started from the overcharged bike immediately spread through the wirings of the house until it reached the attic where the victims were sleeping.
Further investigation showed that there were a total of 10 individuals in the house. The father was able to save the other five members of their household, including the elderly and those on the ground floor. But, unfortunately, when he tried to go back to save his wife and three children aged six, two and one left in the attic, the situation proved to be too daunting.
“They were trapped and were unable to get out,” the investigation stated.
The fire immediately engulfed the attic, which was made of wood and had no other openings aside from a small window and a door.
Investigators then advised the public to always unplug devices when not in use.
