Overview
- An e‑bike’s rechargeable battery started sparking inside a San Jose apartment on the 4200 block of Norwalk Drive around 8:30 a.m. Saturday, triggering a fire, according to the fire department.
- Two people were inside; one escaped, while the other tried to put the flames out and then collapsed after getting outside.
- A neighbor performed CPR until firefighters arrived, and the adult was taken to a hospital with life‑threatening injuries and later died, officials said.
- The department warned that lithium‑ion battery fires produce thick, toxic smoke containing gases like carbon monoxide within seconds, which can be deadly without protective gear.
- Officials urged residents not to fight battery fires and to evacuate immediately, noting rising in‑home risks as e‑bikes and other devices use these batteries.