Inquiry launched after double death of firefighters in blaze

AN investigation has been launched today after two firefighters died while tackling a blaze which ripped through a tower block.

Another two firefighters were taken to hospital by ambulance with minor burns to their hands.

Dozens of residents had to be evacuated from the burning 15-storey building in Southampton, after the fire broke out on the seventh floor at around 8pm last night.

Nearby roads were cordoned off as 20 fire appliances and supporting vehicles from stations across Hampshire were sent to deal with the incident.

Last night's deaths are thought to be the first among firefighters in Britain since Ewan Williamson was killed tackling a blaze at the Balmoral Bar in Edinburgh's Dalry Road last July.

The 35-year-old died after helping to rescue more than 20 people, including a baby, from the flats above the pub.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer John Bonney said: "This is an incredibly difficult and sad time for myself and everyone in Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

"The two firefighters will be sadly missed and will leave a devastating hole in the service.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this tragic time and we are giving them all the support we can. This is not only a devastating loss to our service but is a loss to the whole fire service community.

"During these incredibly difficult circumstances, firefighters at the scene undertook the successful evacuation and rescue of a number of people.

"Their professionalism, under truly difficult conditions, has been admirable and a testament to our service."

A spokesman said the names of the casualties would not be released until their families were informed.

The fire service said it was called to the block of flats, Shirley Towers in Church Street, at 8:14pm last night.

A joint police and fire service investigation into the cause was under way and the Health and Safety Executive was informed, said a spokesman.

Residents were provided with emergency accommodation last night by Southampton City Council.

Resident Brian Pond, who lives on the seventh floor, said that he and his daughter, who is pregnant, were trapped inside the building for more than two hours.

He said: "We were stuck on the seventh floor.

"I got my daughter out, got her downstairs. We were just leaving when the fire brigade asked about some water for their hands.

"Then we got stuck in there and couldn't get out until about 10:30.

"All you could see coming out the windows was fire out the front, flames coming out the window, black smoke, and when we went round to the back it was the same there."