Huge blaze consumes newly built flats in east London

Huge blaze consumes newly built flats in east London
Photo credit: Twitter/@mistahislha

A huge fire has engulfed a block of flats in London, from the ground floor to the sixth.

The fire broke out at around 3:30pm on Sunday, and around 100 firefighters attended the blaze.

 

A tweet from the London fire brigade declared the fire under control after two hours.

 

The cause behind the fire at the newly built flats in Barking, east London is being investigated.

There are no reports of serious injuries. According to an eyewitness speaking to the Standard,  a few people have been treated for smoke inhalation.

A designated rest centre has been opened in nearby Thames.

"Any residents who are affected by the fire are advised to go to the rest centre at Thames View Community Centre on Bastable Rd. Transport is available from De Pass Gardens to take people there," said station manager Andrew Maloney in a statement.

A resident from the flat told BBC she knew the flats were dangerous, but no one would listen.

Her concern was with the wooden balconies on the blocks of flats.

 

"We said one day a fire is going to happen," said Mihaela Georghe.

"We raised several issues to the builder, the maintenance companies and the council about the safety of having all these wooden balconies."

The local residents association is making efforts to accommodate those who may have lost their homes.

Newshub.