The fire and explosion caused significant damage to a second-floor flat, as well as heat and smoke damage to the third-floor flat above. The explosion caused external damage to the building, as well as damage to the windows and fascia of a row of maisonettes opposite the affected block.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued one man from a second floor flat,” said Station Commander Paul Green, who was on the scene. London Ambulance Service crews transported him to the hospital.
Three more people were led to safety by crews wearing fire escape hoods, and a fourth person was helped out of the building.” They were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene, and three were taken to the hospital.
“Firefighters conducted a thorough search of the block, and two more people were assisted from the structure.”
“Crews remained on scene following the fire and explosion due to an ongoing gas leak in the building.” As a precaution, a 25-meter cordon was erected.
A section of Bethnal Green Road was closed, and motorists were advised to avoid the area as much as possible.
The incident drew 42 calls to the Brigade’s 999 Control Officers.
The Fire Department was called at 5.53pm and the incident was over by 2.17am. At its peak, fifteen fire engines and approximately 100 firefighters from Whitechapel, Shoreditch, Shadwell, Dockhead, Islington, and surrounding fire stations were on the scene.
The Brigade’s Fire Investigation team will arrive at the scene later to begin their investigation into the cause of the incident.
