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A grandma was killed after an e-bike battery went up in flames in a New York City pizzeria.
The 76-year-old woman became trapped in the restaurant’s bathroom due to a fire, and after escaping, she succumbed to the overwhelming smoke, as reported by officials.
“Finding my mom burned like a roast pig, with nearly 100 percent of her body affected, is an unforgettable experience,” stated her son, Tommy Ou Yang, to the New York Daily News.
“She’s a very loving parent, a loving grandmother. All her grandchildren, they all miss her.”
Yuet Kiu Cheung stopped at the pizza shop with a friend when a delivery e-bike placed outside of the restroom caught fire on Friday afternoon.
She never made it out alive, and was the first person to be killed by a lithium-ion battery fire in New York City this year.
“She wanted to use the restroom before she left. She went inside the bathroom,” her son told the outlet.
“After maybe a minute, there were three loud explosions followed by an unusual smell she couldn’t describe. Suddenly, thick black smoke filled the area.”
A city fire marshal said that Cheung couldn’t get out, and became entrapped in the bathroom.
Once she was able to escape, the smoke consumed her.
“These fires are very treacherous. They move very quickly and they are very hot,” FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker said in a press conference after the incident.
“You can’t go far before you’re overtaken.”
The grandmother was pulled out of the burning building and died the next day at the hospital.
No other people were injured during the fire.
“The neighborhood, everybody loves her,” her son said of Cheung.
“She’s always very friendly with everybody, tries to help everyone.”
FDNY’s Safety Tips on Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are used in various devices, commonly powering cell phones, laptops, tablets, power tools, electric cars, and e-micromobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters.
Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy and can pose a threat if not treated properly.
Given the nascent industry and lack of federal standards for e-micromobility products, a number of the batteries in these devices are or become defective and can overheat, catch fire, or explode.
In 2023 alone, there were 268 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, many of which were used to power e-bikes.
General Safety Tips:
- When purchasing devices, look for the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) Mark. The UL mark shows that the product has been tested to nationally recognized safety standards
- Follow the device manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage. Always use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter made specifically for the device.
- When purchasing a new battery, buy the manufacturer’s battery that is compatible with your device. Do not seek alternative battery options.
Battery Dos:
- If possible, charge your device outside
- Keep your batteries and device at room temperature
- Plug your device charger directly into a wall outlet
- Store and charge batteries away from anything flammable
- Monitor your battery for any odors, changes in shape or color, leaking, or odd noises
- If you notice any of these conditions, discontinue use immediately. If it is safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 9-1-1
Battery Don’ts
- Do not charge your device near exits and points of egress, including your apartment door, bedroom door, and windows (particularly near a window with a fire escape)
- Do not charge your device in your bedroom
- Do not charge your device on any surface other than the floor
- Do not place your battery or charge in direct sunlight
- Do not charge using an extension cord
Disposal
- Putting lithium-ion batteries in the trash or recycling at home is illegal
- Recycle batteries by taking them to a Special Waste Drop-Off Site. Visit nyc.gov/batteries for disposal instructions and more disposal options near you
- Individually bag batteries or tape ends before disposing of them
Source: FDNYSmart.org
City officials have warned about the dangers of E-bike lithium-ion batteries in recent years.
Six people were killed in 2024 by e-bike or scooter fires, the death count the year prior reaching 18.
According to the Daily News, FDNY has dealt with 122 lithium-ion battery related fires in 2025, but this was the first fatality.
“These devices can be extremely dangerous,” Tucker said.
“We have been working so hard to put out the message that e-mobility devices do not belong inside,” he continued.
“You can’t charge them inside and must buy a certified UL (Underwriters Laboratories) battery.”
Officials warned of the dangers for knockoff batteries that many delivery drivers use as they try to keep their bikes or scooters charged.
The department told owners to only use the factory-installed batteries, not allow them to charge overnight, and to keep them outside if able to.
“These shouldn’t be inside indoor areas,” her son said.
