NEW YORK CITY, Bronx County, N.Y., Oct. 29, 2026 — A 10-year-old boy died and four family members were left in critical condition after a fire tore through an 11th-floor apartment at a NYCHA complex on Morris Avenue early on Wednesday morning, October 28. Investigators believe a lithium-ion battery from an e-bike sparked the blaze.
The fire broke out inside a unit at the Patterson Houses in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx, according to the FDNY. Firefighters arrived about four minutes after the fire started, but an e-bike with a lithium-ion battery reportedly blocked the apartment's only way out.
A 10-year-old boy died in the fire, according to the FDNY. His mother and another family member were reported to be brain-dead at the hospital, relatives said, and two others from the household were also hospitalized in critical condition. The extent of everyone's injuries had not been fully released.
Fire officials said lithium-ion battery fires burn fast and generate intense heat that standard extinguishers cannot handle. The FDNY has logged more than 400 battery fires in New York City this year, resulting in six deaths, compared with 292 such fires reported last year, the department said. NYCHA policy permits residents to keep e-bikes inside apartments as long as they do not block exits, and batteries are only supposed to be charged while someone is awake.
The cause remains under investigation.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the victim.
More on Accidents in New York City, NY
This incident happened on Morris Avenue in New York City, NY. We cover accidents across Bronx County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Bronx County accident news page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right after a fire or similar emergency at home?
Get everyone out first and call 911 from a safe location. Do not go back inside for belongings, and let firefighters confirm the building is clear before re-entering.
Where do apartment and building fires most often start?
Kitchens, electrical systems, and charging areas for devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters are common points of origin, especially in multi-unit residential buildings.
How can residents lower the risk of a battery-related fire?
Charge devices with certified batteries, avoid charging overnight or unattended, and keep e-bikes and chargers away from exits and hallways to prevent them from blocking an escape route.
What injuries are most common in building fires?
Smoke inhalation, burns, and injuries from falls or evacuation are typical. Severity can range from mild to life-threatening depending on exposure time and proximity to the fire.
What to Do After an Apartment Fire in New York City, NY
Anyone displaced or injured in a fire should be evaluated by a medical provider, even if symptoms seem minor, since the effects of smoke inhalation can take hours to appear. Keep records of medical visits, damaged property, and any communication with building management or city agencies. Residents can also contact NYCHA or the city's emergency services for help with temporary housing and support resources following a fire. If a battery or device is suspected in the cause, avoid discarding it until fire investigators have had a chance to examine it.
