Fire Erupts in First Floor Flat on Cooper’s Road
A fierce blaze broke out around 3pm in a first floor flat on Cooper’s Road, Southwark. The fire engulfed the building metres from Old Kent Road fire station – but shockingly, the station was empty as 70 firefighters were tackling another fire in Tulse Hill.
Two 16-Year-Old Boys Caught in Horror Fire
- One 16-year-old boy escaped before firefighters arrived but was rushed to hospital with serious face injuries.
- A second 16-year-old boy tragically died at the scene.
London Fire Brigade sent 25 firefighters from Dockhead, Dowgate, Shadwell, and Whitechapel fire stations. The flames were finally under control by 4.30pm.
Police and Fire Brigade Launch Joint Investigation
Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade are investigating the incident. Police say the fire is “not being treated as suspicious.” A spokesperson said:
“At around 3pm on March 18, police responded to reports of a fire at a residential address in Coopers Road, Southwark. Officers attended with the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service.
“Sadly, a 16-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene. His next-of-kin are being supported by specially trained officers. Another 16-year-old boy was treated for serious facial injuries and taken to hospital. We await updates on his condition.
“The circumstances remain under investigation, though at this stage the fire is believed to be non-suspicious.”
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson added:
“Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled the fire within a flat in a six-storey building. The Brigade’s Control Office took the first call at 2:57pm, with crews from Dockhead, Dowgate, Shadwell, and Whitechapel attending.
“The fire was brought under control at 4:34pm. The cause is being investigated by the Brigade’s Fire Investigation Unit and the Metropolitan Police Service.”
This devastating fire has rocked the Southwark community as officials work to understand how this tragedy unfolded.
