Commercial Street, Spitalfields fire: Four taken to hospital

Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to the block of flats in Commercial Street, Spitalfields, at 11.49am on Sunday ( June 16). London Fire Brigade control officers took 21 calls about the blaze.

One of the brigade's 32m turntable ladders was used as an observation tower to help fight the fire from above.

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One woman was led to safety by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and a further three people were treated at the scene by the London Ambulance Service. All four were taken to hospital as a precaution.

Crews had the blaze under control by 12.21pm.

A four-room flat on the third floor of the 22-storey building was destroyed by the flames. Half of a balcony and part of the flat roof were also damaged, London Fire Brigade said.

Fire crews used a 32-metre turntable ladder to fight flames from above which damaged a fourth floor flat in a 22 storey high rise. (Image: LFB)

There were significant road closures between Commercial Street and Aldgate High Street, and people were advised to avoid the area. 

Crews from Shoreditch, Dowgate, Euston and surrounding fire stations attended the scene. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation.