Teenager, 19, is in a coma and has been left with 47 per cent burns after 'e-bike charger exploded' and caused a fire at his friend's house

By WILL HALLOWELL, NEWS REPORTER Published: 21:58, 5 July 2026 | Updated: 22:16, 5 July 2026 A 'bright and funny' teenager is fighting for his life in intensive care after being rescued from a house fire caused by an 'e-bike explosion'. Joey Gregory, 19, was staying overnight at a friend's house, in Blackpool, when the property became engulfed by flames. Fire crews reached the 'catastrophic' blaze within four minutes of reports at around 9.30am on Tuesday. Joey had to be resuscitated before being rushed to hospital by ambulance while another teenage boy, 13, was airlifted from the scene. Three other people suffered minor injuries. The 19-year-old underwent emergency surgery on arrival and he remains in an induced coma. He has been left with 47 per cent burns following the blaze and his family have been told there is swelling on his brain which could lead to 'significant damage'. A family friend has now set up a GoFundMe page to support Joey and his parents while they remain at his side in hospital. Sally Gregory, Joey's mother, told the Daily Mail: 'He is fighting for his life in intensive care at the moment and the results of his CT scan are concerning. An 'e-bike explosion' is believed to have caused the house fire which has left 19-year-old Joey Gregory (pictured with his family) with 47 per cent burns The teenager (pictured here with his father, Harry) had to be resuscitated at the scene and was rushed to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery and was put in an induced coma 'It's very complex and he's got significant burns on the lower half of his body which have caused his organs to struggle. There are also concerns about his lungs due to smoke inhalation. 'His body needs time to heal so that the doctors can assess his cognitive function, which they can't test yet. It's a waiting game. 'But the doctors have said he's not out of the woods yet. Joey is very, very poorly and he will be here for months. 'Mia, Joey's younger sister, has been an absolute warrior, very stoic. They're very close. 'As a family it is utterly devastating - but we've been bombarded with love and it's been heartwarming.' Joey's friends, family and girlfriend of four years have been to visit him in intensive care - as well as staff at his former school. Harry Gregory, Joey's father, told the Mail: 'We're still in shock. Tuesday was the worst day of our lives. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. 'He was brought up Roman Catholic, my family are Roman Catholic, and as his dad I've never felt so helpless. Fire crews raced to the scene within four minutes of reports of a fire. Pictured: The view from behind the cordon  Pictured: An air ambulance lands in a field near the fire. It is understood that a 13-year-old boy was also airlifted to hospital 'I've loved him since the day he was born…and we're asking people just to keep praying for him.' Mrs Gregory added: 'Joey is wonderful, articulate and so, so clever. He knows a lot about politics and he's very religious. 'He has a really big heart. He's a kind boy and he's big into UFC, he does train and has been in the ring. He's hoping to fight again. 'He's funny, has an amazing sense of humour and he's bright and has so many people who have been supportive by coming to see him in hospital. He's so, so loved, which brings us a lot of peace.' She said Joey's injuries are 'unimaginable, unbearable', adding that he has 'a long fight ahead'. 'We were told on Tuesday that the next 24 to 48 hours were critical. We were told to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. 'Joey has a long way to go. He has a swelling on the brain and we don't know if it will cause any long-term damage.  'We were told there could be significant brain damage but the doctors can't assess it properly yet. 'We are praying and hoping for him. He is a fighter. Every day is so hard, we are helpless because there is nothing we can do. He's in God's hands.' Joey's parents have not been home since Tuesday, the day of the fire, and have remained with their son at hospital. Family friend Jane Richardson has now set up a GoFundMe page to support Joey and his parents and assist with his recovery. She told the Daily Mail: 'Joey was staying overnight at a friend's house when an e-bike charger exploded and caused the fire. 'There is an ongoing investigation and we're waiting for an update but an e-bike is believed to be at fault.' 'It was around 9.30am when the alarm was raised about the explosion. 'It engulfed the house in flames - but I believe it was potentially smouldering for longer. 'Two fire crews arrived on the scene within four minutes and Joey was resuscitated and taken to hospital where he is still in a coma to help his body recover from the extensive burns.' Ms Richardson said the Blackpool home has been left 'uninhabitable, decimated' following the 'catastrophic' blaze. Joey (pictured with his sister, Mia) has 'extensive burns on his legs, arms and a small patch on his upper body' Family friend Jane Richardson has set up a fundraiser to support the teenager's family. It has so far received over £10,000 in donations from well-wishers The 19-year-old, who has been described as 'extremely intelligent and cheeky' is believed to be in significant pain following the tragedy and has been placed in a coma to 'heal his body' before he is prepared for further surgery, including skin grafts. But he is unaware of the incident as he was knocked unconscious in the fire. Joey's family are staying near the hospital where he in a coma. Ms Richardson said: 'He's not aware of what happened, he wouldn't have felt anything. He fell unconscious so he didn't feel any pain. 'They're trying to keep him comfortable over the next couple of days and reduce his sedation day-by-day to see whether he can come out of the coma. 'He had a big surgery on Friday after going straight into theatre on the 30th. 'He has extensive burns on his legs, arms and a small patch on his upper body but his face is untouched. Joey has 47 per cent burns so he needs extensive surgery and intense physio… 'At the moment, they are treating his wounds to get rid of the dead flesh and at the appropriate time do skin grafts. 'The emergency services have been absolutely incredible, they've been phenomenal.' The family friend said donations will help to pay for any private treatment Joey needs in addition to the financial implications of his parents having to stay off work to look after him as well as his younger sister, Mia. Ms Richardson added that funds will go towards 'anything that can elevate their stress so they can concentrate on Joey's recovery, which is the most important thing. His mum and dad, Sally and Harry, don't want to leave their child's side and I would be the same'. She described the 19-year-old as 'extremely intelligent, witty, funny, cheeky and just a really cool guy'. 'I feel shellshocked, devastated. What's happened to Joey is unimaginable. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions,' she said. Ms Richardson also issued a warning over e-bikes, telling riders to 'heed' the dangers. She said: 'E-bikes are very, very common. The safety warnings need to be heeded. Take the advice. Don't let this happen to anyone else, don't charge them overnight.' Joey's parents have also raised concerns about e-bikes and encouraged owners not to leave them charging unattended or overnight. Ms Richardson's GoFundMe page, which has so far raised over £10,000 since launching this week, states: 'Joey was caught in a catastrophic house fire and suffered life-threatening burns. 'He has undergone emergency treatment, been placed into a medically induced coma, and remains on a ventilator while specialist teams do everything they can to save his life. Joey's parents described him as a 'bright and funny' teenager. Pictured: Joey and his father The 19-year-old has a swelling on brain could cause 'significant damage', his mother said 'His injuries are extensive, and the road ahead will be unimaginably long and difficult. As if this heartbreak wasn't enough, Joey's family are facing the unimaginable. 'They want to be by his bedside every moment they can while supporting one another through the most difficult time imaginable. 'We're asking for help to ease some of the financial burden during this incredibly challenging time. 'Every donation, no matter how small, will help with everyday living costs, travel, accommodation if needed, and allow Joey's family to focus on what matters most – being there for him as he fights for his life.' A spokesperson for Blackpool Police previously said: 'You may have heard about an incident on Redcar Road in Blackpool earlier today and we wanted to tell you what had happened. 'We received a report of a house fire on Redcar Road at 9:37am today. We, along with our fire service colleagues remain at the scene. 'Two people: a 19-year-old man and a 13-year-old boy have been taken to hospital in a serious condition. Three others suffered minor injuries. 'We remain in the early stages of our investigation. At this time we ask people to avoid the area and allow the emergency services to work.' The emergency services have been approached for further comment. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. 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