Israeli Mother Advocates for Lithium Battery Safety After Son's Death

An Israeli mother is campaigning for stricter safety regulations surrounding lithium-ion batteries after her 10-year-old son died from injuries sustained in an explosion involving one such battery. Shiron Alter recounted her harrowing experience to Ynet, detailing how she and her son, Yotam, were traveling on an electric scooter in Tel Aviv when its lithium battery, serviced at an illegal workshop, ignited and exploded. Alter suffered burns to 80% of her body, and her son succumbed to his injuries a week later. After a year of hospitalization and rehabilitation, Alter is now dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of these batteries, which she describes as "time bombs" in homes and public spaces.

Alter highlighted the lack of awareness and inadequate legislation in Israel regarding battery safety. She pointed to teenagers modifying devices with parts ordered online and illegal workshops offering cheap, dangerous repairs as major contributors to the problem. She emphasized that the explosive force and heat generated by lithium batteries are underestimated, making them impossible to extinguish with standard fire extinguishers. Alter advocates for a legal ban on the sale of refurbished or used batteries and mandatory annual inspections of existing ones.

Roi Zuckerman, head of the hazardous materials department at the Fire and Rescue Services, corroborated the dangers, comparing phone batteries to "small gasoline tanks" that require careful handling. He explained that mechanical impact, overheating, or using non-standard chargers can lead to thermal runaway, an uncontrolled heating process that results in rapid ignition. While modern electric cars have sophisticated cooling systems that mitigate battery fire risks, electric scooters and bicycles, lacking these features, are a significant concern.

Data from the Israeli Fire and Rescue Services indicates that fires caused by lithium battery overheating occur approximately every two days. In 2025 alone, there were around 256 such fires, resulting in four deaths and dozens of injuries, with children aged 10-13 being the most common victims. Between 2022 and 2024, approximately 700 fires were recorded, claiming an average of five lives annually. The Fire and Rescue Services strongly advise against unauthorized modifications to batteries or vehicles, as well as charging devices indoors, noting that fires can now engulf a room in as little as 15 seconds, leaving no time for escape. Installing smoke detectors in all rooms, especially bedrooms and living areas, is strongly recommended.