A 13-year-old boy has died in hospital following a house fire in Blackpool, Lancashire, that investigators believe was sparked by an e-bike charger bursting into flames.
Coby Keogh succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, five days after the blaze ripped through a property on Redcar Road in the early hours of last Tuesday morning. A 19-year-old man, named locally as Joey Gregory, remains in hospital in a serious condition.
Victim identified and family tributes
Coby's family are being supported by specially trained officers. In a Facebook post, Joey Gregory's mother shared an emotional update: "We were told on Tuesday that the first 24-48 hours were critical. Then they said 72..... We are on day 5 and my boy is still here. Keep fighting sunshine, we ain't going nowhere. We are so lucky to have such amazing family and friends. My boy is so loved."
Three other occupants of the property sustained minor injuries in the incident.
Investigation ongoing
Lancashire Police and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service are jointly investigating the cause of the fire. A police spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with Coby's loved ones at this time, and they are being supported by specially trained officers. A file will be prepared for HM Coroner."
Authorities have ruled out any third-party involvement and believe the fire was started by an e-bike charger. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact police on 101, quoting log 0451 of June 30.
