Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) crews are undertaking a complex operation at the scene of a explosion and building collapse on King Street in Ealing.
Station Commander Paul Morgan said: “Our crews continue to search the property using specialist equipment including the use of a USAR dogs. Sadly we believe that there are fatalities within the property although we’re unable to confirm numbers at this stage. The explosion caused substantial damage to the shop and structural damage throughout. “It is a painstaking and protracted incident with firefighters working systematically to stabilise the building and search for people involved. We’d ask for people to avoid the area at this time. “In the initial stages firefighters rescued four adults and one child were rescued at the rear of the property using a ladder. A further fourteen adults and two children self evacuated from surrounding properties.” The Brigade was called at 6.38am . Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters Southall, Hayes, Heston, Ealing and Feltham fire stations are at the scene.
