Easton tower block fire: One confirmed dead after ‘jumping from top floor’ to escape blaze, say neighbours

One person has died while eight remain in hospital after a fire broke out in the early hours of this morning
Avon and Somerset Police has confirmed one person has died and eight remain in hospital following a fire on the top floor of a flat in Easton.Avon and Somerset Police has confirmed one person has died and eight remain in hospital following a fire on the top floor of a flat in Easton.
Avon and Somerset Police has confirmed one person has died and eight remain in hospital following a fire on the top floor of a flat in Easton.

A man has died after leaping from a burning window on the top floor of a highrise flat in Easton, according to an eye witness.

Emergency services were called to Twinnell House on Wills Drive, off Stapleton Road, shortly after 2.15am today (September 25) sending 11 fire engines to the scene.

Around 90 residents were evacuated and a local church was used to provide shelter during the night.Around 90 residents were evacuated and a local church was used to provide shelter during the night.
Around 90 residents were evacuated and a local church was used to provide shelter during the night.
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Avon and Somerset Police has confirmed eight people remain in hospital - seven for treatment for smoke inhalation and another for minor burns while three others were treated by the ambulance service at the scene.

Around 90 residents were evacuated last night, seeking shelter in a nearby church.

Sidiq Omar, who lives on the 15th floor, beneath where the fire is believed to have broken out, told Bristol World how he and his wife escaped the blaze.

“I woke up around 2am to the sound of sirens and looked out my window to see police, ambulance, and fire crews.” Mr Omar said.

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“I did not hear an alarm, I don’t know if maybe it was not working but I did not hear it. At this point, I woke up my wife but was still not aware it was a fire.

“We opened the door and realised what was happening. We were scared because we did not know where the fire was in the building but we decided to run down the stairs. It was very scary and when we reached the ground we fell to the floor.

“Outside, we looked up and could see three people hanging from the window ledge on the top floor and one of them dropped. The two others managed to get back inside and make it out before the ambulance treated them.”

Sidiq added that he and his wife did not know when they would be allowed back into their flat to assess any fire damage.

Residents waiting to be let back into their homes.Residents waiting to be let back into their homes.
Residents waiting to be let back into their homes.
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Avon and Somerset Police Superintendent Tony Blatchford said: “This is a tragic incident in which a man has lost his life.

“While formal identification has not yet been carried out, we believe we know who the man is and have informed his next of kin. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“Enquiries into what happened have already begun and we will work closely with the fire service to fully understand what started the fire and how the man sadly died.”

Bristol City Council has been contacted for comment.