South-West London house fire: One man dead and 5 injured as 58 firefighters tackle blaze
ONE man has died and five more men are suffering from smoke inhalation after a fire in Tolworth, South-West London, which is being tackled by 58 firefighters.
The exact detail of the structure engulfed in flames is unknown
One man was pronounced dead at the scene and five more men suffering from smoke inhalation have been taken to a west London hospital by paramedics, police said.
In a statement, the London Fire Brigade detailed that the “roof of two shops is alight”.
It added: “Eight fire engines and 58 firefighters and officers have been called to a fire at shops with flats above in Tolworth Rise South in Tolworth this morning.
“The roof of two shops is alight.
“The Brigade was called at 0455. Fire engines from New Malden, Surbiton, Sutton, Wimbledon, Kingston and surrounding fire stations are at the scene.
“The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.”
Tolworth sits close to Hampton Court Palace, south of Richmond Park.
Southward Drive was blocked both ways between Tolworth Rise South and Knollmead due to the flames.
The firefighters were called in the early hours of Tuesday morning
TFL confirmed that there are currently no restrictions on the main A3 road, but that this could change as the situation develops.
It tweeted: “On the southbound A3, London Fire Brigade are dealing with a building fire about halfway between Malden & Tolworth Underpasses. No restrictions to the main A3 but that could change.”
Reminder - very heavy traffic on the A3 in both directions due to a building fire between Malden & Tolworth. The incident is confined to Tolworth Rise South, which runs parallel to the main A3 (which is fully open). Please don't rubberneck, it's causing very long queues.
— TfL Traffic News (@TfLTrafficNews) February 27, 2018
Southwood Drive is blocked both ways, the K1 and 265 buses are affected, and traffic is slow on the A3 as drivers slow down to look.