Firefighters save four people from flat fire in Tower Hamlets

Around 70 firefighters and ten fire engines were called to the scene (Credit: London Fire Brigade)

Firefighters have rescued four people from a burning block of flats in Tower Hamlets. 

A fire broke out in a five-roomed flat on the eighth floor of the Oxbow building in New Village Avenue shortly before 10.30pm last night. 

Crews wearing breathing apparatus saved four people. They were assessed by paramedics at the scene and another person was taken to hospital.

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Station Commander Matt Williams, who was at the scene, said: “Firefighters evacuated 20 people from the building and rescued four people via an internal staircase.

“One of the Brigade’s new 32-metre ladders from Old Kent Road Fire Station was used as a water tower and crews also used drones to provide an aerial view of the incident and increase situational awareness.

“Abbott Road is closed at the A13 junction down to the junction by Blair Street. Firefighters are expected to remain on scene throughout the night and we urge people to avoid the area whilst crews continue to work to make the scene safe.”

Around 70 firefighters and ten fire engines managed to bring the fire under control by 11.45pm. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

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