Lithium-ion battery started deadly house fire in Queens, FDNY says
NEW YORK -- Investigators say a lithium-ion battery caused a fire that killed a Queens man late Friday night.
Bright orange flames engulfed a three-story private home on 89th Street in East Elmhurst just before midnight.
Dozens of firefighters worked quickly to put out the blaze and rescue families who were trapped inside.
At least one person in the home and one firefighter were brought out on stretchers.
"As I opened the door to the second floor, the stairs was already on fire, like, in seconds," said resident Jose Corona.
Corona made it out just in time but says it was his scooter that started the fire.
"I unplugged the scooter, the electric scooter, and as I unplugged it, I was on the first floor, I went to the second floor to eat breakfast. As I'm putting my cereal in the bowl, I heard an explosion, boom boom, like gunfire," he said.
The FDNY tweeted Saturday afternoon that fire marshals determined the inferno was caused by a lithium-ion battery, an ongoing problem in the city.
Altogether, 10 people were hurt, including four firefighters.
Sadly, 63-year-old Modesto Collado lost his life.
Saturday morning, the home was boarded up. Charred debris is all that's left behind.
"It's just crazy because we're a tight-knit neighborhood, and we all care about each other. So it's just sad to hear," one neighbor said.
"I recommend people using these electric scooters, keep them away from your home. It's not worth it. Your life is more important," Corona said.
Several people were treated for smoke inhalation.
The Red Cross is assisting those who are now displaced.
Officials say no criminality is suspected.
