Woman found dead after ‘gas explosion’ rips through flat

An investigation is under way into the cause of a fire at a block of flats in north-west London which left a woman dead.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said they were called to reports of a suspected gas explosion in Fulbeck Way, Harrow, on Sunday morning.

A first-floor flat was destroyed in the fire and a woman was found dead as firefighters searched the scene.

A baby, man and woman were rescued by ladder from a flat on the second floor, which was not affected by the fire.

The trio were taken to hospital as a precaution.

Firefighters had brought the fire under control by about 3.30am
Firefighters had brought the fire under control by about 3.30am

Local resident Rahman Alanezi told the Press Association: “Everyone was screaming that there was a baby inside and they took him out.”

He added that an “old lady” was missing after the blast.

Firefighters are expected to remain at the scene throughout Sunday, the brigade said.

Around 40 people from properties within the block were evacuated due to the blaze, which began shortly before 1am and lasted for more than two hours.

Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters attended the scene.

The victim’s body was found at about 4am as firefighters searched the property, the Metropolitan Police said.

The LFB and the Met are probing the cause of the blast and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

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