Key Points:
- Fire broke out shortly before midnight on Cornwall Avenue, Bethnal Green, east London
- About 60 firefighters tackled the blaze, controlled by 01:05 BST
- Eleven people taken to hospital, six treated and discharged at the scene
- London Ambulance Service praised for swift response
- Flames reached up to the fourth floor, according to witnesses
- 36 emergency calls received by London Fire Brigade
- Cause of fire remains under investigation
- Tower Hamlets Council set up rest centre and emergency housing
- Clarion Housing to lead recovery efforts with council support
Eleven people have been taken to hospital following a late-night fire that tore through a block of flats in Bethnal Green, prompting a major emergency response involving 60 firefighters and multiple ambulance teams.
What happened during the east London fire?
The fire broke out just before midnight on Wednesday in a residential building on Cornwall Avenue, Bethnal Green. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) dispatched crews from Shadwell, Shoreditch, Bethnal Green and Poplar stations, who managed to bring the flames under control by 01:05 BST on Thursday.
The blaze prompted 36 emergency calls to the fire service, as residents witnessed intense flames reaching up to the fourth floor of the red-brick building.
How many people were injured?
A total of 17 people were treated by London Ambulance Service at the scene. Of those, eleven were taken to hospital, while six others were treated and discharged on site.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said:
“We sent a number of resources to the scene including ambulance crews, advanced paramedics and members of our Hazardous Area Response Team. We treated 17 patients in total. We took 11 patients to hospital and six patients were cared for and discharged at the scene.”
What did eyewitnesses say?
Yasin, a resident living in a block opposite the fire, described the frightening intensity of the blaze.
“We could tell it was going to be bad because the flames reached up to the fourth floor. My prayers are with all the neighbours because it’s a very tight community. I hope everyone’s OK and we’ll pray for the best for them.”
Neighbours also reported hearing residents screaming as the fire rapidly spread through the building.
Is the cause of the fire known?
As of Thursday morning, the cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to the London Fire Brigade.
Firefighters could be seen in high-visibility helmets standing before blackened, burnt-out windows. Smoke was still emerging from the structure hours after the flames were contained.
What support is being provided to displaced residents?
Tower Hamlets Council confirmed that it had established a rest centre for those affected by the incident. Vulnerable residents received specific support, and those displaced were provided alternative accommodation.
A spokesperson for the council said:
“Vulnerable residents received dedicated care, and alternative accommodation, including hotel placements, was arranged for those who were displaced.”
The building is managed by Clarion Housing, which is now leading the recovery process. The council added that it would continue to assist where needed to ensure a safe return for residents.
“The housing association for the building, Clarion Housing, will lead recovery efforts but the council will provide support where needed and assist in ensuring the safe return of residents to their homes,” the spokesperson added.
What happens next?
Authorities remain on site assessing the damage and investigating the cause of the fire. Residents affected by the incident continue to receive medical attention and housing support. The building’s structural safety and living conditions will be evaluated before any re-entry is permitted.
