A woman has died after a fire at a care home for people with learning disabilities.
More than 70 firefighters tackled the blaze after being called to Connington Crescent in Chingford, east London, just before 2.15am on Friday.
A spokesman said a woman was confirmed dead at the scene. He added that 12 people had left the block before they arrived and another 16 people had been evacuated from neighbouring properties.
Over 70 firefighters and officers are now at the scene of the flatfire on Connginton Crescent #Chingford. More here https://t.co/DYqVpho5Iv Pic from @LAS_HART colleagues. pic.twitter.com/hKNZCS0gQ9
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) April 20, 2018
Local MP and former Tory Party leader Iain Duncan Smith described it as a “terrible tragedy”.
He added: “My heart goes out to the victims.”
Greatly saddened by the horrific fire at a Chingford care home in which a resident died. My thoughts are with the victim’s family. I have been in touch with my Deputy Mayor for Fire and the Commissioner this morning. My thanks to the firefighters who tackled the blaze.
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) April 20, 2018
London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: “Greatly saddened by the horrific fire at a Chingford care home in which a resident died. My thoughts are with the victim’s family. I have been in touch with my Deputy Mayor for Fire and the Commissioner this morning. My thanks to the firefighters who tackled the blaze.”
Pictures from the scene showed flames pouring out of the roof of the building.
The cause of the blaze is not yet known.
