Bristol: Man dies and 90 evacuated in serious flats fireon September 25, 2022 at 1:41 pm

A man has died after a fire in a block of flats in Bristol.

Emergency services were called shortly after 02:15 BST to Twinnell House on Wills Drive, off Stapleton Road.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed one man died in the incident and eight other people were in hospital., with ninety residents evacuated.

Bristol City Council said its thoughts were with the family of the individual “who has tragically lost their life in this incident”.

Several residents reported not hearing any alarms, but temporary assistant chief fire officer Vaughan Jenkins from Avon Fire and Rescue said all fire alarms were working properly, and that there were no communal alarms in line with building regulations.

Residents of the block have described being woken by people screaming and police knocking on their doors.

Terry Wootten, 73, who has lived in the block for 32 years, said he heard screams in the early hours and got himself out of the building after seeing a crowd outside.

Mohammed Ahmed, has been living in the flats for 10 years and also heard shouting.

He said: “I woke up and checked the window and saw someone shouting ‘there’s a fire, fire’, then I had to come out quickly.

“When I was coming down from the stairs I met one of the policemen who was passing me, going up.”

He said police went door-to-door to wake people up.

Leyla Touati said her neighbour banged on her door for 20 minutes to get her family out as she hadn’t heard any alarm.

“Everyone was still sleeping,” she said.

“He didn’t give up, he was just knocking and knocking which shows the community is really strong round here.”

Salah Khanog, has lived on the eighth floor of the block for nearly 10 years.

He said: “I’ve been knocked on by the police and told to run out as soon as possible, and that’s how I got out.

“It was kind of nervous, kind of terrifying, thank God I went out and ran out. “

Mr Khanog said he did not understand why he had not heard an alarm.

Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said the fire service had not raised any concerns about fire alarms with him but said it would be investigated.

“There was an organised evacuation of the top floors and then people exited in the lower floors,” he said.

“When we have got the investigation into what happened, how it was managed, we will be able to share more there.

“I’d be wary about sparking undue fears, people were exited from the building, but if there is anything that we find wanting about the fire safety in this building we will be open about that and take action.”

A rest stop has been set up which is providing support to 40 people at St. Nicholas Of Tolentino RC Church, Lawfords Gate, by Bristol City Council.

The authority confirmed emergency accommodation would be offered to those who needed it.

Supt 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.”

Avon Fire and Rescue Service sent eleven fire engines to the scene along with two turntable ladders and other specialist vehicles and said the fire was quickly extinguished.

Dave Hodges, Avon Fire and Rescue Service Duty Group Commander, said upper floors were affected by smoke and fire and water damage had affected many flats on lower floors.

He explained crews faced a “serious fire” on the 16th floor upon arrival.

“The fire has now been contained and fire crews remain in attendance making the scene safe,” he said.

He added: “Our sincere condolences go to the friends and family of the deceased.”

Wills Drive is closed while emergency services remain at the scene and police expect the cordon to remain around the building until it has been assessed to be safe.

The people treated in hospital include one with minor burns and seven suffering from smoke inhalation.

Three others were treated by the ambulance service at the scene.

A spokesperson for Bristol City Council said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the individual who has tragically lost their life in this incident.”

They added they were grateful to all emergency services and council officers who responded.

“Residents affected by this tragic incident are being supported and those who require it will be helped into emergency accommodation whilst their homes remain inaccessible,” they said.

South Western Ambulance Service allocated seven double-crewed ambulances, one rapid response vehicle, an operations officer, a doctor, and the hazardous area response team.

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