A man who plunged to his death from the 16th floor of a tower block while trying to escape a fire was a refugee who arrived in Britain after fleeing Afghanistan.
Abdul Jabar Oryakhel became trapped in the flat in Twinnell House, Bristol, on Sunday night as the inferno ripped through the building.
Eight people were rushed to hospital after the blaze tore through a floor in the tower in the early hours, forcing 90 people to be evacuated.
It is understood that the deadly fire was started by an electric bike as people were treated for burns and smoke inhalation.
The 30-year-old, who hoped to bring his wife and seven children over later this year, was staying with his cousin in the apartment, alongside three friends who were there overnight.
Tragic Mr Oryakhel escaped his homeland after the Taliban takeover last year, and arrived in the UK in February.
The fire saw 90 people evacuated from the building, with eight people taken to hospital to be treated for burns and smoke inhalation.
He became trapped in his bedroom when the fire started. He fell to death as his two friends, also Afghan asylum seekers according to The Times, climbed out of windows to safety before they were rescued by firefighters.
The first pictures taken at the scene since the tragedy show piles of soot in the stairwells of the 16 floor building, home to 24 flats.
A full investigation into the incident is currently ongoing.
Avon and Somerset Police Superintendent Tony Blatchford said: “This is a tragic incident in which a man has lost his life.
“Enquiries into what happened have already begun and we will work closely with the fire service to fully understand what started the fire and how the man sadly died.
“I’d like to thank those who have been evacuated from their homes for their co-operation and understanding and promise them all agencies are working hard to enable them to return home as quickly as possible.”
Terry Wootten, who lived at Twinnell House for 32 years, said he was asleep at the time of the fire and was woken by shouts and screams so loud he thought there was a fight on the street below.
He added: “I decided to get out of my flat as I guessed there was something wrong. I didn’t know there was a fire when I first got out.
“There were lots of people outside already. I have no medication, no walking stick - nothing.
"I’ve nowhere to go. I have not been able to sleep all night. I am really angry.”
