Bronx man killed when lithium-ion battery sparks fire at NYCHA building, FDNY says

NEW YORK -- A Bronx man was killed when a lithium-ion battery sparked a fire Sunday inside a New York City Housing Authority building, the FDNY said Monday. 

The fire started at around 7 p.m. inside a 10th-floor apartment in the Soundview neighborhood. 

"We heard a loud explosion and I went to go and open it and there were flames coming out of his door," said Yelitza Mercedes, who escaped the fire with her family. 

Police said the man inside the unit, who they've identified as Hiriam Borrero-Echevarria, died. Officials said an e-bike was found at the entrance of the apartment, where the fire broke out.

On Monday, crews spent the day cleaning the smoke-tarnished halls, while NYPD Community Affairs officers went from door to door asking residents if they had any e-bikes.

"I just hope that his family, I know it's hard, I just hope they're okay and I just send my condolences to them," said Mercedes. 

The victim's family did not want to go on camera, but they told CBS New York he had lived in the community for nearly all his life. They said the father of three will be remembered for having a big heart.

At least a dozen people were treated for injuries. 

• Read More: FDNY joins nationwide campaign addressing lithium-ion batteries following latest deadly fire

So far this year, lithium-ion batteries have led to at least 240 fires in the city, resulting in 124 injuries and 18 deaths.

CBS New York's community reporter Shosh Bedrosian is looking into this story. You can email her with Bronx story ideas by CLICKING HERE. 

In:
• Soundview
• The Bronx
• FDNY
• NYCHA
• Lithium-Ion Batteries