Two die in Deptford tower block blaze

Photo: Freephoto.com

Two people have died in a fire at a block of flats in Deptford.

Ten fire engines and around 50 firefighters were required to tackle the blaze, on the top floor of Marine Tower, in Abinger Grove, on Friday afternoon.

Six people were rescued from the top of the 16-storey building, two of whom were later pronounced dead at the scene. Thirty-five people were evacuated from the flats.

Crews from Deptford and the surrounding area were called to the scene at 2.43pm, with the ambulance service called soon after.

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We sent seven ambulance crews, our hazardous area response team, two support vehicles, the air ambulance and four officers to the scene. The first of our staff arrived within seven minutes.

“Our staff treated a total of six patients. Three patients were assessed but did not need hospital treatment and one patient – a woman – was taken to Lewisham Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

“Sadly two patients were confirmed dead at the scene despite extensive efforts to resuscitate them.”

A spokesperson for Lewisham Council said: “There are approximately 12 households of evacuees and the council are making arrangements to ensure they have accommodation this evening.”

“We are also waiting for clearance from the fire brigade to let the rest of the residents back into the building. They have to be satisfied that it is safe.”

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

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