Three children injured after ‘war zone’ fire rips through block of London flats

Neighbours have spoken of the ‘chaos’ as families fled for their lives after their block of flats was engulfed in flames in north London.

Three children were rushed to hospital after firefighters arrived at Maybury Close in Enfield in the early hours of this morning.

Horrifying images appear to show people trapped by their windows as flames rip through the roof of the block.

A London Fire Brigade (LFB) spokesperson said the victims were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation. Their conditions have since been described as non-life-threatening.

A ‘hero’ neighbour described how he fought through smoke-filled corridors to help evacuate families at 5.30am.

Yunus Mert, 45, raced from his ground-floor apartment after he made sure his wife and daughter, 9, were safe.

He told Metro: ‘There was smoke everywhere. I was choking but I battled my way up the stairs to make sure everyone got out.

‘I was banging on doors. There were children and families I made sure they got out. The fire started in a flat near the top.

‘There were kids I needed to get out – the smoke was thick I knew we didn’t have much time.’

Yunus, a courier, has been evacuated to a community centre nearby.
He added: ‘It was my birthday yesterday just thanks everyone is alive.’

Councillor Rick Jewell, who is organising efforts to support the evacuees, was on the scene just minutes after the fire started.

He said: ‘There was a crack and then huge flames and a mushroom of smoke. The air was filled with smoke. Every time the firefighters put water on one bit of the roof, another flared up.’

The cabinet member on Enfield council added: ‘We are helping residents and taking them to a community centre so at least they can have a cuppa. It’s terrible.’

Witnesses described how flames shot from the roof of the flat block leaving scenes of ‘carnage’ like a ‘war zone’.

James Higginson, 45, said he and his family were awoken by shouting followed by a fleet of fire engines racing down the road.

He told Metro: ‘It was proper carnage. I looked out the window after hearing shouting then there were fire engines and people coming out of their houses looking panicked.

‘I opened my door and there was smoke across the street, the heat was incredible. The flames were big. I’m just praying everyone is ok.’

Firefighters were on the scene this morning trawling through the charred wreckage of the flats as an investigation into the cause of the blaze was launched.

The alarm was first sounded at 5.19am, with brigades from seven stations scrambling to the scene.

Steven Hinson, 32, said: ‘I saw the fire engines arrive, it was like a war zone or something it’s very sad to see. It was a huge fire and we are all hoping nobody was badly hurt.’

The roof of the building was totally destroyed in the blaze.

Peri, who lives opposite the scene, said: ‘The flames were very big and there was a lot of smoke. It was horrible to see.’

Pictures show flames raging from the top of the building, which has been mostly destroyed. One image appears to show a resident in the window waiting to be rescued.

Plumes of grey smoke are seen rising in the sky as firefighters continue to pump water into the heart of the blaze.

A Met Police spokesperson confirmed no arrests have been made so far in their investigation.

They said: ‘Three children were treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to hospital where their conditions were deemed not life-threatening or life-changing.

‘Police are working alongside the London Fire Brigade to investigate the cause of the fire.

‘Enquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made at this time.’

The A10 into Hoe Lane is currently closed. There is significant traffic disruption in the area so Londoners are advised to avoid the area if they can.

A statement from Metropolitan Housing, which manages the block of flats in Enfield, said: ‘This is a shocking incident, and our priority is providing immediate support to the residents of Maybury Close in Enfield following the serious fire at their homes. We were especially concerned about the three children who were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation, and we are relieved to learn that they have now been discharged.

‘Our absolute priority is the safety and wellbeing of residents. Our teams are on site, and they are working closely with the London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police and the London Borough of Enfield to support residents. We are providing emergency practical and financial assistance to residents following the evacuation, including food and access to essential toiletries and clothes. Working with the London Borough of Enfield, we have established a rest centre for those affected, and temporary accommodation is being put in place.

‘We will continue to do everything we can to support residents through this incredibly difficult time and into the future. We are working closely with the London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police as they establish the full circumstances surrounding the fire.’

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