4 Dead and 2 in Critical Condition After Fire Erupts in N.Y.C. E-Bike Shop

A deadly fire broke out at an e-bike repair shop in New York City on Tuesday, leaving four people dead and two others fighting for their lives.

According to theNew York City Fire Department, the “accidental” inferno started at around 12:15 a.m. local time at 80 Madison Street in Chinatown. The building had residential apartments above, theAmerican Red Crosslater tweeting that they provided emergency housing to 23 adults and two children from eight families.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, they broke through the ceiling and walls to reach the residents trapped in the building. Police confirm to PEOPLE that while some were pulled out and rushed to the hospital, four later died from their injuries.

Spencer Platt/Getty

E-bike repair shop fire.Spencer Platt/Getty

The fire department,The New York Timesreported, said they’ve done surveillance at the property and found violations regarding the number of batteries. The repair shop, known as HQ E-Bike Repair, had been cited for multiple fire code violations in the past two years related to the wiring and storage of batteries.

The shop was fined $1,600 in August 2022 after being found guilty of the violations. In September 2022, firefighters had to put out a smoldering battery at the exact location.

“After the court hearing, then it gets referred back to us and then we will come out and re-inspect,” Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn said, according toCBS New York.

PEOPLE has attempted to reach out to HQ E-Bike repair for comment.

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“I think the real issue is uncertified versus certified batteries,” said City Councilman Christopher Marte. “A lot of these fires are coming from uncertified batteries. 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.”

source: people.com