Two children and two women die in London house fire
Two children and two women have died in a house fire in Bexleyheath in south-east London.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said in a statement six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to the blaze on Hamilton Road around 8.30pm on Thursday.
Crews in breathing apparatus rescued two women and two children from the first floor using a nine metre ladder. All four died at the scene, the LFB said.
A man who left the building before firefighters arrived has been taken to hospital.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
“This is a truly terrible incident which is both sad and shocking,” said London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe
“Our thoughts are with the family, friends and local community at this difficult time.”
In a statement, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he was “heartbroken” to hear of the news.
He said: “I am heartbroken to hear that two women and two children have tragically lost their lives in a house fire in Bexley last night. My heart goes out to all their loved ones and the local community at this awful time.
“The London Fire Brigade worked tirelessly at the scene to put out the fire and I remain in close contact with them over their urgent investigation into this terrible incident.”
Neighbour Long Han, 36, heard screams as flames billowed out of the first floor.
She said: “The flames were so close I thought my house was on fire.
“The flames were so big but not at the bottom floor of the house.
“We used to wave at the kids in the garden in summer but couldn’t really chat to them because of the pandemic.
“I really hope the police find out what happened.”
A woman who knew the family appeared at the scene in tears on Friday morning.
She was being comforted by family members as police took her behind the cordon.
Neighbour Scott Jones, 44, saw the family on the school run the morning of the blaze.
He told the Standard: “I saw the little boy on the way to school that morning. They were very friendly to say hello to.
“They had just moved in about five months ago.
“It’s horrendous and bizarre. You see fires but this was something else.
“Flames were coming out of every window. It was so instant which was was frightening.
“I saw the lady being carried out of the top floor window. The father was distraught.”
He added: “The firefighters were incredible they got up in their ladders and went straight in looking for people. They risked their lives I’ve always had respect for them but it has gone up a level.”
News Source: The Evening Standard
