A comprehensive provincial investigation into a fatal electric bicycle fire in Kunming has revealed multiple systemic failures that led to the deaths of eight individuals last April. The official report, released Wednesday, details how illegal modifications, regulatory negligence, and improper building use converged to create the deadly conditions.
The tragedy occurred on April 12, 2026, at a motorcycle parts store in Chenggong district where an illegally modified e-bike battery ignited while charging. The subsequent blaze resulted in 530,400 yuan ($75,839) in direct economic losses alongside the devastating human toll.
Investigators determined the direct cause was a short-circuit in a modified battery that had previously shown signs of failure, including visible swelling. The shop operator, Yan Cai, had illegally replaced and added large-capacity lead-acid and lithium batteries to extend the vehicle’s range and increase speed, fundamentally compromising the original electrical safety design.
The building’s dangerous configuration proved equally fatal. Yan had illegally converted the second floor into living quarters without proper fire safety separations. On the night of the incident, nine people—including family members and visiting relatives—were sleeping upstairs when the fire broke out on the cluttered first floor around 1:50 am. With only an ordinary staircase connecting the two levels, toxic smoke and flames rapidly ascended, blocking the only escape route. Most victims were elderly, women, or children.
The property owner, He Wenjuan, faces proceedings for including an unauthorized ‘business and residential’ clause in the rental contract and failing to ensure mandatory fire separations or a separate evacuation staircase.
The investigation also implicated the company that sold the substandard battery and identified widespread regulatory failures. Twenty-five officials from ten entities, including the Chenggong district government, are now facing disciplinary action for deficiencies in performing their duties.
Yan Cai, deemed primarily responsible, has been placed under residential surveillance on suspicion of causing a fire by negligence and faces potential criminal charges.