Questions asked over escape routes

Questions asked over escape routes

Questions are being asked about whether escape routes and fire prevention measures were "adequate" at a block of flats where a fire left six people dead, Harriet Harman said.

Three young children were among those killed in the fire at 12-storey Lakanal Flats, in Camberwell, south London.

Ms Harman, the area's MP, said people were "asking questions" about fire escape routes at the flats.

She added: "There will have to be a thorough investigation in to what caused this fire and whether the prevention was adequate.

"There are many blocks with one central stairwell and questions will have to be asked about what happens when a fire breaks out."

Several residents said the complicated layout of the flats made the evacuation difficult while onlookers described seeing those trapped inside screaming for help.

A six-year-old child, a woman in her thirties and another adult, died inside the building, emergency services said.

A three-week-old baby, a seven-year-old and an adult woman were pronounced dead in hospital after last night's blaze.

Chief Supt Wayne Chance said the fire started inside a fourth floor flat and is being treated as suspicious.

Thirty people were rescued from the block in Sceaux Gardens, off Dalwood Street, and 15 people were taken to hospital, including three who died.