People feared trapped in flats fire (From Haringey Independent)

People feared trapped in flats fire

8:36pm Friday 3rd July 2009 in

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Around 25 people are feared trapped in a block of flats after a fire swept through the building.

More than 100 firefighters were tackling the blaze at the 12-storey tower block in Camberwell, south London.

A fire brigade spokesman said seven floors were on fire.

Emergency services were called to Lakanal House in Havil Street at 4.20pm on Friday.

A spokesman for London Fire Brigade said 18 fire engines were sent to the scene as well as an aerial ladder platform, ground monitor and breathing apparatus.

He said: "Floors five to 11 are involved in fire and heavy smoke logging. 25 persons are believed involved. Efforts are being made to rescue them."

A spokesman for the London Ambulance Service said three people were in a serious condition.

"We were called at 4.25pm to reports of a fire on Havil Street," he said. "We have sent 16 ambulance crews, eight officers, two single responders in cars, a doctor and our hazardous area response team to the scene. The first of our staff arrived within four minutes.

"We have also placed a number of other staff on stand-by in the area. We have treated 10 patients who have all been taken to hospital.

"Seven of these are understood to have been suffering from smoke inhalation, while the other three were in a serious condition. We are still at the scene."