Firefighters rushed to New Providence Wharf in Poplar after a fierce blaze broke out on the 13th floor of a towering 20-storey building.
Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters battled the flames that tore through a three-roomed flat and its attached balcony last night.
Emergency services treated one man from the flat and two male staff members for smoke inhalation. All three were taken to hospital for further care, though their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Rapid Response to Tower Fire
The London Fire Brigade’s 999 Control room was flooded with 26 emergency calls about the blaze. Fire crews from Poplar, Millwall, Plaistow, Shadwell, and surrounding stations were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Firefighters were first called at 8:47 PM, and after a swift and coordinated response, they brought the fire under control by 9:15 PM.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with fire officers set to examine the flat and balcony area for clues. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant as fire investigators work to determine the origin of the blaze.
Residents’ Shock
Terrified residents of the tower block have spoken out, praising the emergency services for their rapid action but voicing concerns about fire safety in high-rise buildings — a stark reminder of the continued anxiety in the wake of past tragedies.