Dozens were evacuated, three people were rescued and one person has died after the East London tower block fire
The man who tragically died in a fire that broke out in an East London tower block has been named locally as the chef of a popular local family restaurant.
The London Fire Brigade was called to a fire at a 22-storey tower block in Poplar, East London. Around 70 firefighters and 10 fire engines were called to the Blackwall Way block of flats – Neutron Tower- in the early hours of Saturday, September 12. Three people were rescued, two adults and a child, and a further 50 were evacuated from the building, yet it was announced that one person died in the blaze.
Now the Faith Kitchen, as an Asian fusion restaurant in Trafalgar Road, Greenwich, has paid tribute to their chef, Yu, after announcing he had died in a 17th-floor flat during the fire. In the statement posted to their social media, they said: “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our chef, Yu.
“During this incredibly difficult time, Faith Kitchen will be temporarily closed until further notice. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience and deeply appreciate your understanding, kindness and support. Thank you for giving us the time we need.”
The London Fire Brigade have not yet said the cause of the fire, saying: “There are a range of factors that are being investigated regarding the cause of the fire by the Brigade’s Fire Investigation Team.”
In a further statement, Faith Kitchen said: “My family, our baby and I are now safe. We are deeply sorry and heartbroken about the loss of our chef. Today we completed the statements and procedures currently required by the police. There are still many matters that need to be processed, and we have been advised that this may take approximately one to two months.”
The restaurant owners went on to say that they had relocated from London for “a while”, and that a further update on the business’s future will be shared “once things become clearer”.
Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, posted a statement after the fatal fire saying: “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a resident following the fire incident at Blackwall Way. My thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
“My sincere thanks to LFB, Police, our councillors, and the Mayor’s Office for supporting residents. I will be seeking assurances from the relevant housing association that robust fire safety measures are in place to keep residents safe.”
The building’s management company, FirstPort, said it was “deeply saddened” by the man’s death and that its “thoughts are with his family, and everyone affected by this incident.”
The residents are yet to return to their homes as investigations continue and FirstPort repair the building.
