Man dies in east London flat fire as dozens flee building

12 September 2026 , 18:11

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Man dies in east London flat fire as dozens flee building

A man has died in a fire at a block of flats in east London.

Around 70 firefighters were called to the building in Poplar, across the Thames from the O2 Arena in east London, at 4.35am.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said two adults and a child were rescued from the burning apartment.

But in an updated statement this afternoon they added that a man died in the blaze.

Dozens of neighbours were also evacuated from their own flats because of the fire.

An LFB spokesperson said: ‘Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called to a flat fire on Blackwall Way in Poplar. 

‘A two-room flat and balcony on the 17th floor of a 22-storey residential block of flats was damaged by fire.

‘Two adults and one child were rescued by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.

‘Sadly, a man was declared dead at the scene. 

‘A further 50 people left the building before the Brigade arrived on scene and are currently at a rest centre.’

Crews from across east London were scrambled to help tackle the blaze.

It was brought under control by 6.41am.

The LFB said ‘a range of factors are being investigated regarding the cause of the fire’.

Sophia Martinez

World Affairs Correspondent