Newham sparked horror as second child dies in hospital after fire tore through family home

A second child has now tragically died after a house fire in east London, in which a young man died at the scene and five people were rushed to hospital.

Six fire engines with 40 firefighters rushed to the blaze on Napier Road in East Ham shortly before 8.30am on Saturday morning, London Fire Brigade said. Half of the ground floor and first floor of a terraced house were damaged by the fire which was brought under control by 9.10am.

One child died at the scene and five people were taken to hospital, and a fire service update says a second child died overnight. Another adult and two children remain in a serious condition in hospital. London Ambulance Service sent ambulance crews, advanced paramedics, members of its Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and an air ambulance to the scene.

Ast Commander Patrick Goulbourne said: “This is a terribly sad incident and the thoughts of everyone at London Fire Brigade are with the family, friends and all those affected at this difficult time. Staff will be in the local community over the coming days to provide support and advice where needed.

“The welfare of our staff is very important and everyone involved will be offered support from our trauma and counseling service. Sadly, one child was pronounced dead at the scene yesterday morning and a second child died in hospital overnight. Two other children and two adults were transported to the hospital, where the children and one adult remain in serious condition.” An LFB spokesman said the Metropolitan Police had now joined the investigation into the cause of the fire.

The Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz, said in a statement on Saturday afternoon: “It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the tragic house fire that occurred this morning on Napier Road in East Ham, which has resulted in the devastating loss of a child little. On behalf of the entire Newham community, I send my deepest condolences to the family, friends and everyone affected by this devastating incident. Our hearts go out to the five individuals who were treated at the scene by the London Ambulance Service and later taken to hospital.

“London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne expressed his sincere condolences, stressing that the thoughts of all members of the Brigade are with those affected at this incredibly difficult time. We are grateful for the prompt response of the emergency services. Over the coming days, Newham Council staff will be working in partnership with London Fire Brigade in the local community to offer support and advice to anyone who needs it. While we await the results of the ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire, let’s come together as a community to support each other and reach out to those who are grieving.”