Major London Blaze Hospitalises Four Children and Destroys Two Flats
A significant fire has torn through a block of flats in central London, resulting in the hospitalisation of four children and the complete destruction of two residential units. The incident occurred in the Lambeth area, prompting a large-scale emergency response.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
The London Fire Brigade deployed a substantial force to combat the flames, with eight fire engines and approximately 60 firefighters attending the scene on Barrington Road. The blaze, which erupted in an 11-storey building, required crews from multiple stations including Brixton, Clapham, and Peckham.
Over 20 residents were safely evacuated from the property as the fire took hold. The most severe damage was concentrated on the fifth and sixth floors, where a maisonette flat was utterly consumed by the flames.
Hospitalisations and Investigation
Four children were rescued from the building and subsequently transported to hospital as a precautionary measure. Their current condition has not been disclosed, but the fire service confirmed the hospital transfer was for safety checks following the traumatic event.
The fire brigade's control room received an initial call at 08:05, with a total of 23 calls logged about the incident. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control by 09:33. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown and is currently the subject of an official investigation.
Community Impact and Aftermath
This serious incident has caused considerable disruption and distress within the local community. The destruction of two homes and the forced evacuation of numerous residents highlight the fire's intensity and rapid spread.
Authorities are now assessing the full extent of the damage to the building and coordinating support for those displaced by the event. The swift response from emergency services undoubtedly prevented a more severe outcome, though the psychological and physical impact on the affected families, particularly the children, will be significant.
