Police have initiated an investigation into a horrific incident in Hounslow, where a catastrophic house fire claimed the lives of five individuals, leaving one person still unaccounted for.
The massive inferno engulfed a residence on Channel Close in West London, with only one man managing to escape before the arrival of the fire brigade.
He was swiftly taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Unfortunately, once firefighters gained access to the property, they discovered five additional individuals on the first floor, all of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.
Approximately 70 firefighters and ten fire engines were deployed to combat the intense blaze. The cause of the fire remains unclear at this time, and authorities believe that all five victims were members of the same family.
The mid-terraced house suffered extensive damage, with the ground and first floors completely destroyed, and part of the roof affected by the flames.
London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe expressed condolences, stating, “This is a terribly sad incident, and the thoughts of all of us at London Fire Brigade are with the family, friends, and all those affected at this difficult time.”
He assured that support and guidance would be offered to the local community affected by the tragedy.
The London Fire Brigade received the emergency call at 10:26 pm, and the firefighters successfully brought the blaze under control by 1:25 am.
Responding crews from Heston, Southall, Twickenham, Hayes, Feltham, and surrounding fire stations worked diligently at the scene.
The London Ambulance Service dispatched five ambulances, two officers, a Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), and the London Air Ambulance to provide medical assistance.
Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, overseeing policing in Hounslow, expressed his condolences and acknowledged the profound impact of the incident on the community.
He assured that efforts are underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding this tragic event, recognizing the demand for answers in the wake of the devastating loss of lives.