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Faulty TV caused tower block fire | Faulty TV caused tower block fire |
(20 minutes later) | |
A tower block fire which killed six people in south-east London was caused by an electrical fault, according to initial tests. | A tower block fire which killed six people in south-east London was caused by an electrical fault, according to initial tests. |
The blaze at Lakanal House, in Camberwell, originated from a portable television set that was at least 10 years old, police said. | The blaze at Lakanal House, in Camberwell, originated from a portable television set that was at least 10 years old, police said. |
Among the victims of the fire were a three-week old baby and two children, aged six and seven. | Among the victims of the fire were a three-week old baby and two children, aged six and seven. |
More than 20 people had to be taken to hospital after the fire on 3 July. | More than 20 people had to be taken to hospital after the fire on 3 July. |
The blaze also claimed the lives of Helen Udoaka, 34, Dayana Francisquini, 26, and Catherine Hickman, 31. | |
Due for demolition | |
Det Insp Rick Murphy said: "Initial results have found that the cause of the fire was an electrical fault originating in a portable TV set that was at least 10 years old. | Det Insp Rick Murphy said: "Initial results have found that the cause of the fire was an electrical fault originating in a portable TV set that was at least 10 years old. |
"The make and model of the TV set have not been confirmed so we will not speculate. It was in a room on the ninth floor." | "The make and model of the TV set have not been confirmed so we will not speculate. It was in a room on the ninth floor." |
The fire, which was tackled by more than 100 firefighters, spread rapidly. | The fire, which was tackled by more than 100 firefighters, spread rapidly. |
It has since emerged that cladding within the walls of the 12-storey building may have contributed to the speed with which the blaze spread. | It has since emerged that cladding within the walls of the 12-storey building may have contributed to the speed with which the blaze spread. |
BBC London has discovered that a Southwark Council report written in 1999 found Lakanal House had a "risk of localised fire spread between wall panelled sections". | BBC London has discovered that a Southwark Council report written in 1999 found Lakanal House had a "risk of localised fire spread between wall panelled sections". |
The block was due to be demolished under the council's Labour administration. | |
But Labour councillors have told the BBC that when the council changed hands to the Liberal Democrats the new administration decided to keep Lakanal House. | |
Southwark Council has refused to comment. |