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Six dead after blaze rips through flats tower block
A fire in a block of flats left six people dead, including three children, emergency services said last night.
The blaze, in Havil Street, Camberwell, south London, began on the four floor of the 12-storey block yesterday afternoon and "spread rapidly" to the 11th floor, according to London Fire Brigade.
Of the six fatalities, one was a baby, one a child aged seven and one an adult woman.
Three other bodies were found at the scene, a six-year-old child, a woman in her 30s and another adult.
A spokesman for London Fire Brigade said: "There were six fatalities, three adults and three children.
"Thirty people were rescued – these 30 people were in immediate peril and were evacuated from the building."
Unharmed survivors were taken to an emergency centre in a nearby church hall set up by Southwark Council and the British Red Cross, while the injured were taken to three London hospitals.
A female adult died at Guy's and St Thomas's Hospital, while two of the child victims were taken to King's College Hospital in Denmark Hill.
A spokesman for Guy's and St Thomas' said: "We can confirm that we received two adult patients from the fire in Camberwell. One patient remains in a stable condition in hospital. Tragically the second patient has died."
A spokesman for King's College Hospital, in Denmark Hill, said: "We had 11 people in total –nine of whom had minor injuries, mostly smoke inhalation.
"These were three children and six adults. They are currently in the process of being discharged and they are going to Southwark Council's emergency centre. The other two of the 11 sadly died."
A spokeswoman for the Lewisham Hospital, in south London, said: "We've had seven people brought in to the Accident and Emergency department.
"There are four adults and three children. All the people who have come to Lewisham have non-serious injuries."
Michael Thompson, 17, who lives in the tower block, said: "There was a big bang that sounded like an explosion.
"People were screaming. I heard people shouting 'Fire, fire'.
"I called 999 when I saw the flames and they said they were already on their way. I could smell the smoke from inside my flat so I closed the windows.
"This black smoke was pouring out of the windows."
Southwark Council said people evacuated from the Sceaux Gardens estate were taken to Welton Hall in Bushey Hill Road.
A spokesman said: "Arrangements are being made to rehouse those who require it and who are unable to make alternative arrangements.
"The rest centre will remain open for as long as necessary. However, there is currently no hot water for other residents
on the estate and it is not expected to be reinstated until tomorrow."
The Mayor of Southwark, Councillor Jeff Hook, was visiting the centre last night to offer his support.
Council leader Nick Stanton said: "On behalf of Southwark Council, I would like to extend
all our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of those who have tragically died in this fire. I am in awe of the courage and professionalism of the fire brigade and other emergency services."
The Welton Hall emergency centre has been opened by the British Red Cross, with 20 volunteers and staff called out following a request from Southwark Council.
A spokeswoman said: "The
Red Cross sent out 10 emergency vehicles and have set up a
rest centre and control room at the Baptist Church on Bushey
Hill Road. Around 50 people are being looked after at the rest centre.
"The fire, which started at the 12-storey block of flats this afternoon, is now under control."
The Fire Brigade spokesman said it could take "weeks if not months" before the cause of the blaze was determined.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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