Massive inferno forces over 100 to flee as east London apartment block burns

A devastating fire broke out in an apartment building in Dagenham, East London, early Monday morning, forcing over 100 residents to flee as flames rapidly engulfed the structure. The blaze, which started around 2:44 a.m., quickly spread through both residential and commercial units, leading to the deployment of approximately 225 firefighters and 40 fire engines to the scene.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) declared a major incident due to the severity of the fire, which consumed the building, including scaffolding and the roof. The building was undergoing remedial work to replace non-compliant cladding, and multiple fire safety issues had already been identified. The role of this cladding in the fire’s rapid spread is now under investigation, raising urgent questions about fire safety measures in similar buildings across the UK.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as residents scrambled to escape, many of them coughing up smoke as they rushed down dark, smoke-filled stairwells. One resident, Sam Ogbeide, recounted his harrowing experience, noting the lack of sprinklers in the building and the intense fear among his fellow residents. Irina Vasile, another resident, described waking up to thick smoke and losing everything in the fire.

The swift response of the LFB, including the use of advanced firefighting equipment, was crucial in containing the blaze and ensuring that all residents were accounted for. The London Ambulance Service treated four people on-site, with two individuals taken to the hospital. The evacuated residents have been relocated to Beacontree Health and Leisure Centre, where they are receiving support.

As the investigation continues, the focus will be on the effectiveness of the building’s safety measures and the impact of the ongoing remedial work. Experts are already voicing concerns about the systemic issues that may have contributed to this near-tragic event, echoing fears raised in the wake of previous fires in buildings with similar safety concerns.

This incident underscores the need for stricter fire safety regulations, especially in buildings undergoing remedial work. Fire safety experts emphasize the importance of proactive measures to prevent such disasters, particularly in structures with known safety issues.