Seven in hospital after fire at block of flats

A fire broke out in a block of flats in Maida Vale, central London, confined to a fifth-floor flat in Falkirk House while smoke spread to surrounding areas. Emergency services were called at about 09:40 BST, and around 100 firefighters with 15 fire engines were deployed. Fifteen people were led to safety, including six using fire escape hoods. Nine people received treatment for burns and smoke inhalation effects from the London Ambulance Service. The cause of the fire was not yet known, and crews remained on scene working to bring the blaze under control. Residents reported smelling burning and seeing smoke from windows, and being told to leave the building as firefighters carried out rescues.

"Emergency services were first called at about 09:40 BST, with around 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines sent to the scene. So far, 15 people have been led to safety, including six wearing fire escape hoods. Nine people were treated for burns and for the effects of smoke inhalation, the London Ambulance Service said. The cause of the fire is not yet known, and crews remain at the scene working to bring it under control."

"“I saw smoke coming from the window. So I just looked and said, 'Oh, my goodness.' I went, I ran out,” she said. Curih said the fire broke out on the fifth floor and that one of her friends on the fourth floor was still inside at about 10:30. She spoke on the phone with the friend, who said firefighters were coming to rescue her from the opposite side of the building from where the fire broke out. “I'm very worried now,” she said."

"Another resident, who lives on the eighth floor, said: “We just woke up and saw smoke, and were told to leave the building.” He was standing on the pavement, cradling a toddler wrapped in a blanket and wearing pyjamas. An older woman without shoes sat on a metal stepladder beside him, with a small child sitting on her walker. A firefighter wrapped a warming blanket around her and the child, before another rescuer told them to move further away because of the smoke."

Read at www.bbc.com