Two children and two women die in house fire in south-east London
Around 40 firefighters were called to the blaze on Hamilton Road on Thursday evening
Last updated 19th Nov 2021
Two children and two women have died in a house fire in Bexleyheath in south-east London.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said in a statement six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to the blaze on Hamilton Road around 8.30pm on Thursday.
Crews in breathing apparatus rescued two women and two children from the first floor using a nine metre ladder. All four died at the scene, the LFB said.
A man who left the building before firefighters arrived has been taken to hospital.
Builder Scott James said the house was "quickly engulfed in flames" as smoke blew out to the street on Thursday at about 8.30pm.
Mr James, 44, whose home is a stone's throw away from the scene, saw a "distraught" man collapsed against a wall outside the house as he arrived at the scene.
He said:
"I got overwhelmed by smoke and then the whole house was engulfed. The downstairs was on fire and then the whole house went up. It was engulfed in flames. There wasn't an explosion."
Mr James said he was worried and telling the neighbours to get back.
The fire brigade turned up shortly afterwards and "they were amazing", according to Mr James.
Mr James said the firefighters "very quickly had ladders up to the windows" as they tried to rescue those inside, with one woman being pulled out of a top window.
He added: "It all happened so quickly. I have never seen anything like it."
"This is a truly terrible incident which is both sad and shocking," said London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe.
"Our thoughts are with the family, friends and local community at this difficult time."
In a statement, the Mayor of London said:
I am heartbroken to hear that two women and two children have tragically lost their lives in a house fire in Bexley last night.
My heart goes out to all their loved ones and the local community at this awful time.
The London Fire Brigade worked tirelessly at the scene to put out the fire and I remain in close contact with them over their urgent investigation into this terrible incident.”He said:
The cause of the fire is under investigation.