A child has tragically died and five people have been taken to hospital after a house fire in East Ham, East London. The fire broke out just before 8:30 AM on Saturday in a terraced house on Napier Road.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) dispatched six fire engines and around 40 firefighters to combat the blaze, which damaged half of the first floor and half of the ground floor of the property. The fire was brought under control by 9:10 AM.
The London Ambulance Service responded with ambulance crews, advanced paramedics, members of its Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), and an air ambulance. The five injured individuals were transported to a major trauma centre for treatment.
Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne of the LFB expressed his condolences: “This is a terribly sad incident and the thoughts of all of us at London Fire Brigade are with the family, friends, and all those affected at this difficult time. Staff will be in the local community over the coming days to offer support and advice where needed. The welfare of our staff is very important, and all those involved will be offered support from our counselling and trauma service.”
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Scotland Yard has confirmed that enquiries are ongoing to trace the child’s next of kin.
Local road closures have been implemented while emergency services address the aftermath of the fire. The London Ambulance Service later confirmed the fatality and emphasised the efforts made by their crews and emergency service partners: “Sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews and emergency service partners, one person died at the scene. Five people were conveyed to a major trauma centre as a priority.”
Officers from Newham are present at the scene. A spokesperson for Scotland Yard posted on social media: “We are currently working with @LFBNewham and @Ldn_Ambulance at Napier Road, E6. The incident is currently ongoing and updates will be posted when they are available. Napier Road is closed to access at the moment.”
The investigation into the cause of the blaze continues.
