Mill Hall couple files suit against toy manufacturer

Alleges hoverboard started fire that destroyed home

WILLIAMSPORT -- A Mill Hall couple has sued the maker of a hoverboard after claiming that it caught on fire and caused nearly $433,000 damage to their house.

Heather Jean Villareal and Michael J. Bingaman filed the civil lawsuit Thursday in U.S. Middle District Court alleging negligence against Razor Co., of Cerritos, California.

The couple bought the Razor Hovertrax as a gift on Nov. 6, 2019.

The battery charger was plugged into an electrical outlet in the sunroom of the house at 114 Clinton Ave. in Mill Hall, according to the suit.

A fire originated in the sunroom where the board was being recharged, and subsequent investigation into the origin and cause of the fire showed that the defectively designed and manufactured hoverboard overheated causing the fire at the premises, the couple said.

The couple allege negligence in the suit, asserting the company failed to properly and safely design, manufacture, assemble, test and install and inspect the hover boards, according to the suit.

The couple alleged violation of products liability law and said the company committed a breach of implied warranty of merchantability.

The couple are demanding judgment against the Razor maker in excess of $432,439 together with interest and the cost of the legal action and any other further relief the court deems just and proper.

The company has yet to respond to the claim in court.