Inquests opened today (Thursday) into the deaths of a mother and her two children killed in a house fire that was possibly caused by an e-bike on charge. 

Gemma Germeney, 31, died at the scene of the blaze which happened during the early hours of June 30 at her home in Cambridge. 

Her two children - eight-year-old Lilly Peden and four-year-old Oliver Peden - were rescued but were later died at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.  

A man in his 30s managed to escape the flat before crews arrived and was taken to hospital where his condition was described as ‘critical’.  

An initial investigation carried out at the maisonette, in Sackville Close, King’s Hedges, has indicated that a charging e-bike was the likely cause. 

David Heming, a senior coroner for Cambridgeshire, expressed his “sincerest condolences and sympathy” when he opened the inquests at Peterborough Town Hall.  

He said: “Whilst those detailed [fire] investigations are ongoing, and the final cause of the house fire at this stage remains under consideration, it has been flagged there is a potential link to an e-scooter.  

“I draw attention to Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service’s website which contains some very helpful information on charging and storage of e-scooters and e-bikes... 

“... It’s clear that there have certainly been some incidents that are fire-related concerning some these products.  

“But that will obviously be a matter for consideration as part of our investigation likewise that of the fire service.” 

He added: “Clearly this is a catastrophic event for this family and my sincerest condolences and sympathy go out to all wider family members.” 

A provisional date for a pre-inquest review hearing for all three family members was set for October 12. 

Since the tragedy, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service issued the following safety advice on charging e-scooters and e-bikes.

  • Avoid charging the battery overnight  
  • Do not leave charging for any longer than it needs to fully charge  
  • Plug the cable into a main socket rather than an extension lead   
  • Do not cover the battery with anything while charging   
  • Make sure you use the battery recommended by the manufacturer  
  • Always use the manufacturer approved charger for the product, and if you spot any signs of wear and tear or damage buy an official replacement charger for your product from a reputable seller  
  • Ensure you have working smoke alarms on every floor of your home and in the room where you charge the bike/scooter.