Residents living in around 24 flats at a Bristol tower block are being housed in emergency accommodation tonight after a fire ripped through a top floor flat, killing one and injuring eight.
People living in the 14th, 15th, and 16th floors of Twinnell House in Easton will spend their first night away from home after they were evacuated from the building in the early hours of Sunday morning (September 25). Those living on the 14th and 15th floors were, late this afternoon, allowed back in their homes for a short period to collect essential items, but then asked to leave again.
One man died when he fell from a 16th floor window trying to clamber to safety as a fire spread through the flat he was in - it is believed two other men managed to get to neighbouring flats by edging their way along the side of the building.
Read more: Updates - latest on the fire at Twinnell House in Easton
People living in the rest of the building - from the 13th floor downwards, were gradually let back in to their homes during the afternoon, after they spent the night and morning either waiting for news outside or at a temporary evacuation centre in a nearby church.
Eight people were taken to hospital, mainly suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation, and today residents have spoken of their terror as smoke filled corridors and firefighters and police banged on their doors in the middle of the night to get them to leave the building.
One mum has told how she was 'trapped' inside burning tower block with her three children, while a father has spoken of how he rushed home from work and ran inside burning building to get his family out. Police have confirmed that the man who died was killed when he fell from the top floor trying to escape the blaze
A full investigation into the incident will be carried out in due course. Avon and Somerset Police Superintendent Tony Blatchford said: “This is a tragic incident in which a man has lost his life. While formal identification has not yet been carried out, we believe we know who the man is and have informed his next of kin. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
“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.”
Dave Hodges, Avon Fire and Rescue Service duty group commander, said: “On arrival crews were faced with a serious fire on the 16th floor and deployed crews wearing breathing apparatus to tackle the fire and assist residents. "The upper floors have been damaged by smoke and fire, and water damage has affected many flats on lower floors.
More on the Easton Fire:
- Mum was 'trapped' inside burning tower block with her three children
- Man who died in Bristol flat fire fell from top floor trying to escape the blaze
- Dad living at Easton tower block ran inside burning building to get his family out
- Pictures and video from the scene of Bristol tower block fire
“The fire has now been contained and fire crews remain in attendance making the scene safe. We are working with our partner agencies to support the local community during this difficult time.
“Our sincere condolences go to the friends and family of the deceased.”
Twinnell House was opened in 1969 and contains 132 flats, now both council and privately-owned properties, and a council spokesperson said all those still unable to return to their flats will be offered temporary accommodation.
A council spokesperson said: "People living on floor 13 and below have been able to return to their homes, and residents on floors 14 and 15 have been able to access their homes to collect overnight essentials and temporary accommodation has been provided or offered, though residents have the option of making their own arrangements if they wish. We are organising emergency accommodation and support to those living on the 16th floor."
Follow the latest updates on this story and others like it here.
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