Explosion Sparks Fire in London Shop
Chaos broke out at the bottom of a ten-storey mixed-use block after a shop caught fire following an explosion. Most of the ground-floor store was damaged in the blaze.
Firefighters Battle Thick Smoke and Rescue Two Women
Fire crews in breathing apparatus faced thick smoke billowing up the stairwell. They swiftly led one woman to safety from the first floor. Another woman escaped just before the brigade arrived.
Both were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service paramedics.
Residents Escape as Firefighters Contain Blaze
About 50 people living above the shop evacuated before firefighters got there. Station Officer Craig Abbott said:
“On arrival we found a well-developed fire resulting from an explosion in the shop, and heavy smoke. Our crews worked hard to stop the blaze spreading into the upper floors of the block.”
The Brigade was called at 3.47pm and had the fire under control by 5.26pm. Crews from Lambeth and Soho fire stations tackled the flames.
Cause of Fire Linked to Leaking Lighter Fluid
Fire investigators believe an accidental ignition caused the fire. Leaking lighter fluid likely caught fire after coming into contact with a heater inside the shop.
