A mother and her two young children died in a house fire in Cambridge caused by a modified e-bike, an inquest has heard. Gemma Germeney, 31, and her children Lilly Peden, eight, and Oliver Peden, four, lost their lives in the blaze on June 30, 2023, at their flat in Sackville Close.
The fire service determined that the most probable cause was an e-bike that was charging at the time. Cambridgeshire area coroner Elizabeth Gray stated during a pre-inquest review hearing that it was not disputed the bike had been modified and caused the fire.
Two family dogs also died in the fire. The children’s father, Scott Peden, was left in a coma for a month. He has since called for urgent safety measures regarding e-bikes, saying he had no idea about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries before the tragedy.
Miles Bennett, counsel for Mr Peden, requested that a person referred to as Mr Severinov be considered as a witness, alleging that someone carried out a 'quick fix' to the lithium battery, leading to a 'tumultuous fire' shortly after. The coroner noted that the purchase of the bike, the stolen battery, and the modification would be outlined at the full inquest.
Alexandra Tampakopoulos, counsel for the Office for Product Safety and Standards, suggested that if Mr Severinov gives evidence about the purchase and interactions with Mr Peden, it would be strange not to have Mr Peden testify. The coroner adjourned proceedings, with a two-day full inquest expected in August or later.
Cambridgeshire Police confirmed that Ms Germeney died at the scene, while the children were taken to hospital but later died. Mr Peden has called for a change in regulation, emphasising the need for greater awareness of e-bike battery dangers.
