Fatal Blaze Tears Through Southwark Flat Near Fire Station
A fierce fire erupted around 3pm in a first-floor flat on Cooper’s Road, Southwark. The flames raged just metres from the Old Kent Road fire station – but shockingly, the station was empty as 70 firefighters fought another blaze in Tulse Hill.
Two 16-Year-Old Boys Caught in Horrific Fire
- One boy escaped before firefighters arrived but was rushed to hospital with serious facial injuries.
- The second, tragically, died at the scene.
London Fire Brigade dispatched 25 firefighters from Dockhead, Dowgate, Shadwell, and Whitechapel stations. After a tense battle, the blaze was under control by 4:30pm.
Police and Fire Brigade Launch Joint Probe — Fire ‘Not Suspicious’
The Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade have launched a joint investigation but say the fire is “not being treated as suspicious.”
“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,” a spokesperson said.
“Sadly, a 16-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene. His family are being supported by specially trained officers. Another 16-year-old suffered serious facial injuries and was 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.”
Community Stunned as Investigation Continues
This deadly fire has shocked the Southwark community. Officials are urgently working to piece together how this heartbreaking tragedy unfolded.
