Child dies after hazmat incident at London flat - chemical exposure

Fire crews were called to the property on Tuesday afternoon (Aaron Chown/PA) Aaron Chown

A child has died following a hazardous materials incident at a flat in east London. The tragedy unfolded Tuesday after two adults and two children sought hospital treatment complaining of a chemical smell.

The London Fire Brigade received the first emergency call at 1:18pm about the property on Barking Road in Upton Park, Newham. One of the children later died in hospital while receiving treatment. The London Fire Brigade confirmed: "Sadly, a child has died following a hazardous materials incident in Newham."

Emergency crews evacuated approximately 12 people from surrounding properties as a precautionary measure. Specially trained firefighters conducted a systematic sweep of the affected flat to detect any hazardous materials and ventilate the scene. Multiple fire stations responded, including crews from Poplar, Millwall and Euston.

Investigation Underway

The Metropolitan Police Service is investigating the incident with support from the London Fire Brigade. The emergency response concluded by 4:23pm, but the cause of the chemical exposure remains unclear.

Newham Council expressed condolences to the family, saying: "First of all, our thoughts are with the family of the young child who has so tragically lost their life in this terrible incident." The council confirmed evacuated residents are being cared for in a safe environment.

Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).