South Kensington: Five people rescued as fire tears through five-storey building

Five people were rescued and more than 10 were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation after a fire tore through a five-storey building in South Kensington in the early hours of Friday (March 1)

The blaze broke out in flats in a converted terraced house in Emperor's Gate in South Kensington, near Gloucester Road station and the Natural History Museum.

Around 15 people left the building when half of the ground floor caught light, and London Fire Brigade evacuated 130 residents from the property and neighbouring buildings.  

Two people were rescued by crews from a second floor flat using a 13.5m ladder and two people were rescued from a fourth floor flat using a turntable ladder. Another was rescued from a first floor flat by crews using a short extension ladder.

Station Commander Steve Collins said: "The fire spread from the ground floor to the top floor and roof of the property.

"Crews worked extremely hard to contain it and prevent the blaze spreading to adjacent buildings.

"Road closures are in place and likely to remain well into the morning rush hour so motorists are advised to avoid the area. However, there is no impact on rail services and they will be running as normal."

About 100 firefighters and 15 engines from London Fire Brigade responded to the incident.

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The brigade was called at 12.31am and the fire was under control by 4.40am. Fire crews from Kensington, Fulham, Battersea, Hammersmith, Chelsea, North Kensington and surrounding fire stations were at the scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Ben King, borough commander for Kensington & Chelsea, said: "People displaced from properties were taken to a local respite centre where they have been given support by our community engagement team, the local authority and other partners. Around 100 people have since been able to return to neighbouring properties.

"Road closures remain in place and emergency services are likely to remain at the scene throughout the day so we would ask people to continue to avoid the area."