A 19-year-old man is fighting for his life after suffering severe burns in a house fire that investigators believe may have been triggered by an e-bike charger.
Joey Gregory remains in intensive care in a medically induced coma after the blaze tore through a home in Blackpool on Tuesday morning.
Doctors are treating him for burns covering nearly half of his body, while his family anxiously await further assessments after being told swelling on his brain could result in serious long-term complications.
Emergency crews responded to the fire shortly after 9:30 a.m., arriving within minutes of receiving reports that the property was engulfed in flames.
Emergency Rescue Leaves Multiple People Injured
Firefighters found Joey critically injured at the scene and performed life-saving resuscitation before he was transported by ambulance to hospital.
He underwent emergency surgery immediately upon arrival.
A 13-year-old boy was also seriously hurt and flown to hospital by air ambulance, while three other people sustained less severe injuries during the incident.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, with early indications suggesting an e-bike charger may have ignited the blaze.
Doctors Monitor Burns, Smoke Inhalation and Brain Swelling
Joey’s mother, Sally Gregory, described her son’s condition as extremely serious, explaining that his injuries extend far beyond the extensive burns.
According to the family, 47 percent of his body has been burned, primarily affecting the lower half, placing significant strain on his organs.
Medical teams are also treating lung complications caused by smoke inhalation.
She said physicians are unable to fully assess his neurological condition while he remains sedated, making the coming weeks critical in determining the extent of any lasting brain injury.
The family has been warned that Joey’s recovery is expected to take months if his condition stabilises.
Parents Describe Worst Days of Their Lives
Joey’s parents, Sally and Harry Gregory, have remained by their son’s bedside since the fire, saying they have not returned home since the incident.
Harry described the ordeal as the most traumatic experience the family has ever faced, saying he has never felt so powerless as he watches doctors fight to save his son’s life.
The family, who say their Roman Catholic faith has helped sustain them, continue to ask friends and well-wishers to keep Joey in their prayers.
Loved Ones Rally Around Popular Teenager
Relatives have painted Joey as an intelligent, compassionate and humorous young man whose positive personality has attracted an overwhelming wave of community support.
His parents said he has a deep interest in politics, is devoted to his faith and enjoys mixed martial arts training, with hopes of returning to competitive fighting one day.
His younger sister, Mia, has remained a constant source of strength for the family, while Joey’s girlfriend of four years, close friends and staff from his former school have all visited him in hospital.
His mother described the support from the public as deeply comforting during what she called an unimaginable ordeal.
Extensive Treatment Expected During Long Recovery
Family friend Jane Richardson, who launched a fundraising campaign to assist the Gregory family, said Joey was unconscious during the fire and is believed not to remember the incident.
She explained that doctors are gradually reducing his sedation while treating extensive burns to his arms, legs and upper body.
Medical teams are removing damaged tissue before eventually carrying out multiple skin graft procedures and prolonged rehabilitation.
His face, she said, escaped serious injury despite the severity of the fire.
Richardson praised emergency responders and hospital staff for their rapid actions and ongoing care.
Community Fundraiser Surpasses £10,000
An online fundraiser established to support Joey’s recovery and help his parents remain close to him in hospital has already raised more than £10,000.
The donations are intended to cover travel costs, accommodation, everyday living expenses and any additional medical treatment or rehabilitation that may become necessary during Joey’s recovery.
Organisers said easing the family’s financial pressures would allow them to focus entirely on supporting Joey throughout his lengthy treatment.
Investigation Continues Into Suspected Cause
Richardson said the fire is believed to have started after an e-bike charger exploded while Joey was staying overnight at a friend’s house, although investigators have yet to confirm the exact cause.
She noted that the property has been left uninhabitable following what she described as a catastrophic blaze.
Police previously confirmed that officers and fire investigators remain in the early stages of their inquiries.
Family Urges Public to Follow E-Bike Safety Advice
As the investigation continues, Joey’s family and those close to him are urging owners of e-bikes to exercise caution when charging batteries.
Richardson encouraged riders to avoid charging devices overnight or leaving them unattended, warning that greater awareness of battery safety could help prevent similar tragedies.
Joey’s parents echoed that message, hoping others will learn from their family’s devastating experience while their son continues the fight for his life in intensive care.
