Five people have tragically lost their lives in two separate house fires in London within a 24-hour period. The deadly incidents occurred during the early hours of May 24 and May 25, according to reports from the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade.

Stonebridge House Fire: Mother and Three Children Killed

A devastating fire broke out in Stonebridge on Tillett Close just after 1:00 AM on May 24, claiming the lives of a 43-year-old mother and three of her children—a 15-year-old girl, an 8-year-old boy, and a 4-year-old boy.

Over 70 firefighters and 10 fire engines responded to the blaze, which engulfed two connected three-storey terraced homes. Despite efforts to rescue victims using breathing apparatus, the four family members were tragically pronounced dead at the scene by Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS).

Two other family members—a woman in her 70s and a teenage girl—were hospitalized, and their conditions remain unknown.

A man was arrested on suspicion of murder at the scene and remains in custody as investigations into the fire’s cause continue.

Coulsdon Fire Claims Life of 77-Year-Old Man

Just over 24 hours later, a second fatal fire occurred at a semi-detached house on Coulsdon Road at 1:38 AM on May 25.

Fire crews from Purley, Wallington, and Croydon arrived to find the first floor and part of the ground floor ablaze. A 77-year-old man was rescued from the first floor but was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of the Coulsdon fire is currently under police investigation, and no arrests have been made.

Emergency Response and Community Impact

Authorities urge residents to check fire safety precautions and remain vigilant. These tragic incidents have left communities in mourning, and investigations are ongoing to determine whether foul play or accidental causes are behind the blazes.