Baby rescued from house fire that killed two women

A baby was rescued from a house fire that killed two women.

Emergency services were called to reports of a flat on fire in Back Hilton Road, Aberdeen, at around 6pm on Monday. Police Scotland pronounced two females dead at the scene, and the infant was taken to hospital.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) sent two units to the scene and extinguished the blaze, while neighbouring properties were evacuated and the road, since reopened, was closed.

The child has since been discharged from hospital.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is ongoing to establish the full circumstances.

“However, there are no apparent suspicious circumstances at this time.”

Five more rescued and taken to hospital

SFRS area commander Andrew Wright, senior officer for Aberdeen city, Aberdeenshire and Moray, said: “We were alerted at 5.58pm on Monday to reports of a dwelling fire on Back Hilton Road, Aberdeen.

“Operations control mobilised seven fire appliances and specialist resources to the scene, where firefighters extinguished a fire affecting the first floor of a block of flats.

“Nearby properties were also evacuated as a precaution.

“Sadly, two people passed away at the scene. A further five casualties were rescued and transported to hospital by the Scottish Ambulance Service.

“Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this incident at this difficult time.

“Our crews demonstrated unwavering dedication and professionalism as they dealt with an extremely challenging incident in collaboration with the Scottish Ambulance Service and Police Scotland colleagues. Crews worked tirelessly to make the area safe before leaving the scene at 9.02pm. A joint investigation with Police Scotland is under way.”