Fire rips through apartments above busy store; 2 terrified locals rescued from roof and 5 hospitalized

SEVEN people have been rushed to hospital after a fire ripped through a high street shop.

Around 60 firefighters were called to the scene on Willesden High Road, north London, shortly after 1pm today.

Two people were rescued from the roof of the store, before five others were taken to hospital.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters extinguished a fire at an upstairs shop on Willesden High Road.

“Part of the ground floor and a small part of the roof gap between the ground and first floors were on fire.

“Firefighters rescued two people from a roof using a short extension ladder.

“Five more people left the property before the crew arrived and were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.”

Fire crews were called to the scene at 1.08pm today and battled the fire for more than two hours before it was finally brought under control at 3.21pm.

At the moment the causes of the fire are unknown and are being investigated.

Station Commander Chucks Abili, who was at the scene, said: “Crews worked hard to access the gaps and control the fire.

“The fire was producing a lot of smoke, so we advised local residents to keep their windows and doors closed.

“Willesden High Road is closed between Bertie Road and Hawthorn Road and we encourage people to avoid the area this afternoon, especially as rush hour approaches.”

1