St Paul’s Way fire: Teenager falls to her death trying to escape burning flat

A 17-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene after falling from the window of a block of flats on St Paul’s Way near Mile End after a fire had broken out early on Monday morning.

According to the Evening Standard a team of 21 firefighters were called to St Paul’s Way at just before 6am after the blaze started in a maisonette on the third and fourth floor above a parade of shops.

The street was cordoned off and 50 residents were forced to leave their flats as thick black smoke billowed from the building.

Two people who were passing by rushed to help the girl after she jumped from the maisonette to escape the fire. They tried to save her live by giving first aid but she died from her injuries.

Firefighters also rescued a man from the fourth floor of the maisonette, while two other people escaped to safety before fire crews arrived.

Four people who were suffering from smoke inhalation were treated by ambulance crews. Their injuries were not thought to be serious.

The London Ambulance Service’s Hazardous Area Response Team also attended (LAS HART)
A Met Police spokesman said: “One female, believed aged 17, was found outside the property – she was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Four other people received treatment – none of them are serious.

“Enquiries into the circumstances of the fire are ongoing.”

The fire was brought under control at 7.05am. The cause of the blaze is under investigation

Source: Evening Standard