![Child killed and five people rushed to hospital after massive house fire in London](/upload/news/2024/07/13/176431.jpg)
Several fire engines rushed to the blaze in East Ham, London, in the early hours of Saturday morning, with five people taken to hospital and one child sadly killed
Five people have been rushed to hospital after a house fire in east London - with a child sadly dying.
Just before 8.30am this morning, six fire engines with 40 firefighters raced to the blaze on Napier Road in East Ham, according to the London Fire Brigade (LFB). Half of the ground and first floor of a terraced house were damaged by the fire which was brought under control by 9.10am.
The London Ambulance Service sent ambulance crews, advanced paramedics, members of its Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and an air ambulance to the scene. It added the five injured people were taken to a major trauma centre. The age of the child killed is not yet known.
London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner Patrick Goulbourne said: "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. 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."
The cause of the fire is under investigation, with Scotland Yard adding that enquiries are currently ongoing to trace the child’s next of kin. A number of local road closures have been put in place while emergency services deal with the fire.
Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz said in a statement on Saturday afternoon: “It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the tragic house fire that occurred this morning on Napier Road in East Ham, which has resulted in the heart breaking loss of a young child. On behalf of the entire Newham community, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and all those affected by this devastating incident. Our hearts go out to the five individuals who were treated at the scene by the London Ambulance Service and subsequently taken to the hospital.”
“Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne of the London Fire Brigade has expressed his sincere condolences, emphasising that the thoughts of all members of the Brigade are with those impacted during this incredibly difficult time. We are grateful for the swift response of the emergency services.
“In the coming days, Newham Council staff will be working in partnership with the London Fire Brigade in the local community to offer support and advice to anyone in need. As we await the results of the ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire, let us come together as a community to support one another and extend a helping hand to those in grief.”