Tower block erupts in flames in Bethnal Green

2022-08-04

Tower block erupts in flames in Bethnal Green: Witnesses report ‘loud explosion’ which ‘sounded like a bomb’ and ‘felt like an earthquake’

Around 100 firefighters and 15 vehicles were called to the scene of the inferno
Huge fire broke out in block of flats in Shoreditch following reports of ‘explosion’
London Fire Brigade (LFB) received more than 40 calls alerting them of blaze
LFB are yet to determine the cause of the fire on Thursday as it is ongoing

A huge fire broke out in a block of flats in Shoreditch on Thursday with local residents reporting a ‘large explosion’ that ‘sounded like a bomb’.

Around 100 firefighters and 15 vehicles were called to the scene of the inferno at a block of flats on Granby Street in east London at 5.53pm on Thursday evening.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed it received more than 40 calls alerting them about the huge blaze inside the eight-storey building, with flames on the third and fourth floors.

Firefighters from Whitechapel, Shoreditch, Shadwell, Dockhead, Islington and surrounding fire stations are all currently at the scene.

Footage shared on social media shows plumes of flames and black smoke erupting through the block of flats while fire engines showered the blaze with water.

The LFB told MailOnline they were ‘called to reports of a large explosion’ but are yet to determine the cause of the fire.

On witness took to Twitter and said: ‘It sounded like a bomb just went off, this is just behind St Matthews Road. Felt like an earthquake, I am so shook.’

Around 100 firefighters and 15 vehicles were called to the scene of the inferno at a block of flats on Granby Street in east London at 5.53pm on Thursday evening

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed it received more than 40 calls alerting them about the huge blaze inside the eight-storey building, with flames on the third and fourth floors

Bethnal Green Road is shut from Brick Lane to Queensbridge Road and motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible.

The horror blaze was seen ripping through the windows of the building – which partially collapsed – as terrified onlookers heard screams from the scene.

The Metropolitan Police said they have officers in the surrounding areas redirecting traffic away from the inferno.

They wrote on Twitter: **Warning** Bethnal Green Road is closed both directions near junction with Brick Lane, as we deal with a serious incident with London Ambulance and London Fire Brigade. Please avoid the area.’

In a statement shared online, LFB said: ‘Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been called to reports of a fire and explosion on Granby Street in Shoreditch.

‘Flats on the third and fourth floor of an eight-storey block are alight.

‘The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers have taken 42 calls to the blaze.

Footage shared on social media shows plumes of flames and black smoke erupting through the block of flats while fire engines showered the blaze with water

‘Part of Bethnal Green Road has been closed and motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible.

‘The Brigade was called at 1753. Fire crews from Whitechapel, Shoreditch, Shadwell, Dockhead, Islington and surrounding fire stations are at the scene.

‘The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.’

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘We were called at 5:54pm today (4 August) to reports of an incident at Bentworth Court, E2.

‘We have sent a number of resources to the scene including three ambulance crews, a tactical response unit and members of our Hazardous Area Response Team. We have also dispatched London’s Air Ambulance.

‘The incident is ongoing and we are working with our emergency service colleagues.’

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