Fire alarms at a Bristol tower block fire failed to alert residents to the blaze which left one man dead and eight in hospital
Emergency services were called to a Bristol tower block fire on Wills Drive just after 2:15am (25 September) where ninety residents were evacuated.
Avon and Somerset police confirmed one man died after falling from a window trying to escape the blaze. Eight others were taken to the hospital to receive treatment for smoke inhalation and minor burns. Three others were treated at the scene.
Cause of Bristol tower block fire unknown
Supt 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.
“Inquiries 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.”
The cause of the fire on the 16th floor of Twinnell House is still unknown.
Residents did not hear fire alarms at Bristol tower block fire
Several residents reported not hearing any fire alarms and police went door-to-door to wake people up. Saleh Khanot, a resident on the eighth floor for nearly 10 years said: “I’ve been knocked on by the police and told to run out as soon as possible”. Mr Khanot said he did not understand why he had not heard an alarm.
Vaughan Jenkins Avon Fire and Rescue area manager said all of the fire alarms inside the flats were working properly and confirmed there were no alarms in the communal areas.
He stated: “The building is run in line with regulations“.
I’m at Twinnell House in Easton this morning after the fatal fire on Sunday that killed one and left eight in hospital.
There are questions that need answering as residents report alarms didn’t sound. The council, fire service and police are all investigating. #Bristol pic.twitter.com/OGg42kAjTc
— James Diamond (@JamesDiamond0) September 26, 2022
An investigation has been launched into the failed fire alarms
Marvin Rees, Bristol mayor, said the fire service had not raised any concerns about fire alarms but said it would be investigated.
Dave Hodges, Avon Fire and Rescue Service Duty Group Commander, said upper floors were affected by smoke and fire and water damage had affected many flats on lower floors.
Bristol Council said most residents have now returned to their homes.
