FDNY: E-bike shop at scene of deadly overnight fire was issued past violations
NEW YORK -- Four people were killed and two are fighting for their lives after a fire at an e-bike repair shop in Chinatown on Tuesday morning spread to the apartments above.
The FDNY says it issued several summonses to the shop over the last two years for the number of e-bike batteries that were inside and plugged in.
CBS2 has also learned firefighters had to put out a smoldering battery at the same shop just a few months ago.
So with all these warnings, residents want to know how violations were able to pile up until the shop burned down.
READ MORE: New York City lawmakers working on immediate lithium-ion battery legislation
The melted bikes were piled like lava rocks outside the e-bike repair shop on Madison Street.
"I see a huge round flame that melted the gate," Belal Alayh said.
Alayh was working at a corner deli just after midnight when his block began filling with smoke.
Firefighters broke through the store's ceiling to get to the people trapped in the six-story building.
"They went into the bathroom that little section for the lightbulbs, removed the paneling and there was a hole. They were able to go up and reach the tenants upstairs, give them a pathway to be able to get them," deli worker Thiy Alsaidi said.
Six people were rushed to the hospital, where four of them died, including a 71-year-old man and 62-year-old woman.
FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said the cause was lithium-ion batteries from e-bikes in the repair shop.
"The sheer volume of fire is incredibly dangerous. It can make it nearly impossible to get out in time," Kavanagh said.
The FDNY says it issued several summonses to the shop over the last two years relating to the wiring and storage of e-bike batteries.
In August, the business was ordered in court to pay a $1,600 fine. A month later, firefighters had to extinguish a smoking battery in the front shed.
"After the court hearing, then it gets referred back to us and then we will come out and re-inspect," Chief Fire Marshal Dan Flynn said.
Last year, there were 220 fires in New York City started by lithium-ion batteries, with six deaths. So far this year they have caused 108 fires with 13 deaths.
"I think the real issue is uncertified versus certified batteries. A lot of these fires are coming from uncertified batteries," City Councilman Christopher Marte said. "The City Council passed legislation to do away with these uncertified batteries and for sellers to only sell certified ones. Dozens of people were displaced from their homes. It's a sad day here."
"It's imperative we not have bikes that blow up," e-bike shop customer Ineetous Holder said.
One neighbor who lives above another e-bike shop just across the street told CBS2 she now fears for her own safety.
"We just want to live safely. That's the main thing. What else can we do as citizens? You tell me," the neighbor said.
Police have not yet identified any of the victims. Two are still in critical condition at the hospital. They're between 65 and 80 years old.
CBS2 has not been able to reach the shop owner for comment.
