The building was evacuated on Tuesday evening
Gabriel Shepard Assistant Head of Print
15:53, 22 May 2025Updated 15:53, 22 May 2025
Fire crews at the scene on Tuesday(Image: Paul Gillis/ BristolLive)
Almost 200 residents from a fire-hit city centre block of flats are waiting to hear when they can return home. The blaze – thought to have been started by an electric bike – tore through parts of Castle Park View on Marybush Lane on Tuesday evening.
Ten people had to be rescued, although no one was seriously injured. As a result of the fire, the building’s 188 residents were evacuated. They are waiting for an update from housing association Abri, on when they will be able to return.
A spokesman said it was “still early days” and its experts were assessing the full extent of the damage to the building, drying out water-impacted areas and getting an understanding of what work would be required to make it habitable.
Abri’s regional managing director Helen Wilson said today: “The safety of our customers is our highest priority. Electricity and water was turned off at the building due to the amount of water damage on site.
“We understand this is a distressing time for our customers, our housing colleagues are on site supporting our customers including providing temporary accommodation and subsidising food and travel expenses.
“Our repairs team are currently assessing the extent of the water damage to understand the works required and how long it will take. We will continue to update our customers regularly as more information becomes available.”
Initial investigations suggest the fire was accidental. A spokesperson for Avon Fire and Rescue 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 service’s 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.”
This week’s fire comes two-and-a-half years after a fatal blaze was caused by an e-bike at an Easton tower block. Abdul Oryakhel – who had arrived in Bristol after fleeing Afghanistan only a few months earlier – died on September 25, 2022, after falling from the 16th floor of Twinnell House while trying to escape.
Following his death, Avon senior coroner Maria Voisin wrote to the Government demanding action. In a prevention of future deaths report last June, Ms Voisin wrote: “There appears to be a lack of understanding of the dangers with lithium-ion batteries used for e-bikes and e-scooters.
“I understand that there is currently no British or European standard to control what lithium-ion e-bike batteries and chargers can be sold in the UK.
“From what I am told there is an increase in the number of people buying and using e-bikes and e-scooters.
“I am aware that other coroner’s have written similar reports but this only goes to emphasise that preventable deaths continue.
“In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action.”
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