A young boy died and four members of his family were hospitalized in critical condition after a fire related to an e-bike broke out in an apartment at the 13-story Patterson Houses in the South Bronx early Wednesday morning.

FDNY officials said the fire erupted on the 11th floor of 320 Morris Ave. between East 140th Street and 3rd Avenue on Oct. 28. Emergency crews, including 40 units and 130 fire and EMS personnel, responded to the scene just before 1 a.m. 

Fire officials pulled five civilians, including two teenagers, from the inferno. Four remain hospitalized in critical condition. One 11-year-old boy died. 

Investigators said a lithium-ion battery related to an e-bike caused the devastating fire. 

“As with every fire, the FDNY will conduct a thorough investigation. At this point, they have already determined the cause of this fire to be a lithium-ion battery from an e-bike,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said during a briefing about the incident. 

The e-bike was stored inside the house, blocked the exit and prevented those inside from escaping, officials said. 
NYS Attorney General Letitia James and Mayor Zohran Mamdani stand with FDNY personnel during a briefing about a deadly Bronx fire.Photo by Dean Moses

Firefighters had the flames under control by 2:05 a.m.

FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore discussed he dangers of lithium-ion fires and stressed the importance of storing e-bikes outside.

“I want to make this exceptionally clear that these lithium-ion battery fires can kill you, they can kill your family, they can kill your neighbors, and they can kill our first responders. It is all our responsibility to heed the warnings that we’re giving each other here,” she said. 

The commissioner said lithium-ion fires increased significantly from last year.

So far in 2026, there were 401 fires, 74 injuries and six deaths in NYC caused by lithium-ion batteries. Those numbers increased from 292 fires, 51 injuries and just one death last year, she explained. 

“I urge you to take this message seriously,” Bonsignore said. “Charge and store these devices outside where possible. Do everything you can to stay safe.”

Assembly Member Amanda Septimo said her office spoke with the Patterson Houses Tenant Association and first responders, and is monitoring the situation. 

“My heart goes out to this family as they face an unimaginable loss,” she said. “No family should have to endure such a tragedy, and I am hoping for the full recovery of those injured.” I ask that you join me in keeping this family and our entire Patterson Houses community in your hearts during this incredibly difficult time.”

The investigation remains ongoing.