As a result of a house fire in west London, 6 people have been confirmed dead; three of them were children. One person is still missing and presumed dead.
According to the Metropolitan Police, it is believed that all five fatalities were related to one another and belonged to the same family.
Just before 10.30 o’clock on Sunday evening, a fire broke out at a residence located on Channel Close in Hounslow. Ten fire engines and approximately seventy firefighters were dispatched to the scene.
Five family members killed in house fire in west London
In addition to the ground floor and first floors, the mid-terrace house sustained damage to a portion of its roof, and residents of adjoining homes were advised to seek shelter out of an abundance of caution.
It is believed that there were seven people present in the home at the time of the incident.
On the building’s first story, there were a total of five people who were pronounced deceased at the site.
A guy was able to escape the residence before the emergency services arrived, and he was brought to the hospital for treatment of injuries that were not considered to be life-threatening.
According to the police, there is still one adult who has not been located.
In the aftermath of a home fire in Channel Close, Hounslow, emergency personnel are present at the scene.
The London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police Service are currently conducting an investigation to determine what caused the fire, which was extinguished at 1.30 in the morning on Monday.
At the site, Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson addressed the media and said, “This is truly a terrible incident.” The tragic loss of so many lives will bring unfathomable suffering to the families, friends, and communities of all those who were affected.
He continued, “I know that this terrible event that happened last night will shock and sadden people all over the country.”
“Now, everyone will want to know why this tragedy occurred, and we will be working tirelessly with our colleagues in the London Fire Brigade to find those answers. We are confident that we will be successful in our mission.”
“At this time, we have an open mind as to the cause of the fire, and I would ask people not to add to that uncertainty by speculating.”
When asked if he could rule out fireworks as a probable cause of the fatal blaze, he responded, “At this stage, this is being investigated both by ourselves and specialist fire officers.” Considering that Diwali had just taken place the day before, this question seemed particularly pertinent.
“I am not discounting anything at this point because I don’t believe that we are in a position to do that,” she said.
“We keep an open mind; it is such an early stage, and there is an awful lot of work to be done.”
The Metropolitan Police have stated that there have been no arrests made.
“This is a terribly sad incident, and the thoughts of all of us at the London Fire Brigade are with the family, friends, and all those affected at this difficult time,” said Andy Roe, the Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade.
Today, staff members will be available in the neighbourhood to provide assistance and guidance to anyone who might require it.
“The welfare of our staff is very important, and all those involved will be offered support from our counselling and trauma service.”
“I am devastated to learn this morning that five people, including children, died in a fire in a house in Hounslow last night,” Labour MP Ruth Cadbury said on X, which was formerly known as Twitter. Cadbury’s constituency includes Hounslow.
“My thoughts are with their family, friends, and neighbours.”