Second child dies after east London house fire
The blaze took hold in East Ham in the early hours of Saturday
Last updated 14th Jul 2024
A second child has died overnight after a house fire in east London.
Forty firefighters were called to the blaze in East Ham early on Saturday morning (July 13th).
Two other children and one adult are still in a serious condition in hospital.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police as well as the fire brigade.
Officers were first called to a property on Napier Road just before 8:30am on Saturday morning, according to the London Fire Brigade.
In total, six fire engines and some 40 firefighters were involved in tackling the blaze.
Half of the first floor and half of the ground floor of the house - which was believed to be a terraced house - were damaged by the fire.
With multiple different engines called to put out the fire, the blaze was brought under control by 9:10am, with emergency services arriving on the scene to treat those injured. Crews from East Ham, Barking, Stratford, Ilford and surrounding fire stations attended.
Assistant commissioner for the London Fire Brigade Patrick Goulbourne paid tribute to the child who lost her life.
"Terribly sad"
"This is a terribly sad incident and the thoughts of all of us at London Fire Brigade are with the family, friends and all those affected at this difficult time," he said.
"Staff will be in the local community over the coming days to offer support and advice where needed.
"The welfare of our staff is very important and all those involved will be offered support from our counselling and trauma service."
Investigations are now underway into what caused the fire, with those also being affected in the blaze being treated for their injuries in hospital.
DCI Jonathan Burks, one of the senior officers responsible for policing Newham, said: “I appreciate that local people will be shocked and saddened by this tragic event.
"We share those sentiments and will do all we can, alongside LFB London Fire Brigade, the local authority and other partners, to provide the family and local community with support and answers to their questions about this heart-breaking incident.”
The mayor of Newham says she is "heartbroken" over an "unimaginable loss", and says her heart goes out to the parents.
Rokhsana Fiaz says she is praying for the two children who have died, as well as the surviving family members.