Queens Pols React To Tragic Astoria E-Bike Fire That Left 2 Dead

ASTORIA, QUEENS — Several Queens lawmakers responded to the tragic deaths of a child and a teenager after a fire that was sparked by a charging e-bike on Monday.

"Our hearts are with the family as they grieve this unimaginable loss," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards in a statement.

The flames at 25-41 46th St. Monday afternoon were sparked after the lithium-ion battery of an e-bike that was charging inside the vestibule blew up, officials said.

The blaze killed a 7-year-old boy and a 19-year-old girl in Astoria, FDNY announced Monday.

"Nothing can bring them back. The best we can do to honor their memories is invest in life-saving fire prevention," said Council Member Tiffany Cabán.

The two-alarm fire was reported about 2:18 p.m, bringing 25 units and 106 firefighters to the residence, and the flames were under control at 3:12 p.m., officials said.

Senator Michael Gianaris also issued a statement on Monday, saying that his "office is ready to support those displaced.”

"The horrific fire that resulted in the death of two young people Monday afternoon is a stark reminder of the importance of an issue the FDNY has been talking about for some time: education and awareness around lithium-ion batteries," said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh during a press conference on Monday.

"We know people have e-bikes and similar micro-mobility devices, and we are imploring users to follow all manufacturer safety guidelines and recommendations," he said. "We are also calling on our federal, state and local partners to move quickly on regulations that will help ensure tragedies like today's fire are prevented. We are heartbroken for the family of these victims."