Residents were rescued from the fourth floor using ladders after a fire broke out
Fire crews on Tower Hill(Image: Paul Gillis/ BristolLive)
Ten people had to be rescued from a burning building in Bristol after an e-bike is believed to have sparked a fire.
Multiple fire engines, as well as police and the ambulance service, were called to Marybush Lane near Castle Park on Tuesday, May 20, shortly after 5.15pm, to reports of a fire in a residential block of flats.
Ten people had to be rescued from the fourth floor of the building, with two of them treated at the scene by the ambulance. Following an investigation by Avon Fire and Rescue, the fire is believed to have been started accidentally by an electric bike.
And it is now understood that all 188 residents who were living in the building have been asked by their housing association to move out – as the block of flats currently has no water and no power, according to the BBC.
A spokesperson for the fire service said: “We were called at 5:18pm to reports of a fire in a residential block of flats on Marybush Lane, Bristol.
“Ten people were rescued from the fourth floor of the building using the Services’ turntable ladder. Two people were treated by ambulance at the scene. Following fire investigation, the cause of the fire is thought to be accidental due to an electric bike.”
The BBC reports that Abri housing association has sent an email to all residents in the wake of the blaze, saying it is not sure when power and water will be restored. The company is said to be helping with temporary accommodation and housing expenses.
Tower Hill, adjacent to Marybush Lane, was closed in the southbound direction for more than an hour on Tuesday evening, between Temple Way and Passage Street, as emergency services responded to the incident, with drivers advised to seek alternative routes.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service offers advice on its website regarding how to safely use electric bikes and other batteries.