‘Devastating’ flat fire kills two children and woman in Cambridge
Two children and a woman have died in a “devastating” flat fire in the early hours of the morning.
More than 30 firefighters rushed to attend the blaze in King’s Hedges, Cambridge, at 1.08am on Friday.
Crews arrived to find smoke billowing from the ground and first floor of a two-storey maisonette.
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said a man managed to escape the flames, which engulfed the maisonette, and is being treated in hospital.
Firefighters rescued two children, a boy and a girl, but despite efforts to save them they both later died in hospital. A woman in her 30s also died at the scene.
An investigation to establish the cause of the fire has been launched.
Area Commander Stuart Smith said: “This is a devastating and deeply upsetting incident that will touch many people. Our thoughts are with the relatives, friends and neighbours of the family. It’s just heartbreaking.
“We know this will have a huge impact on the local community and our fire safety team was in the area visiting residents yesterday to provide fire safety information and reassurance and will be returning next week.
“A fire like this is one of the toughest incidents you can attend as a firefighter and we’re looking after the welfare of all those who responded to or supported this incident.”
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “Three ambulances, three Hazardous Area Response Team vehicles, two ambulance officer vehicles and response cars from the East Anglian Air Ambulance and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance were called out in the early hours of Friday June 30 to a serious house fire in Sackville Close in Cambridge.
“One woman had sadly died at the scene. One man with serious injuries was transported to Addenbrooke’s Hospital together with an infant and an older child – both children in serious conditions.
“An infant from an adjoining property was also transported to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for further assessment and care.
“The ambulance service would like to extend its deepest sympathies to all those affected by this tragic incident.”
Additional reporting by Press Association
