Twinnell House: Man dead and eight in hospital after fire in tower block

A man has died and a further eight hospitalised after a fire broke out in the top floor of a block of flats in Easton.

Shortly after 2.15am on Sunday emergency services were called to Twinnell House on Stapleton Road.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said that the man, not yet named, is “believed to have fallen from the 16th floor as he tried to escape the fire inside the flat”.

Eight people were hospitalised, seven for treatment for smoke inhalation and another for minor burns, while three others were treated by the ambulance service at the scene.

Ninety residents were evacuated from their homes, with several reporting they did not hear any alarm. Bristol City Council is currently investigating whether alarms should have sounded.

A rest centre has been set up at St. Nicholas Of Tolentino RC Church, Lawfords Gate, where the council are currently providing welfare support to around 40 people.

My thoughts today are with the family and friends of the person who tragically lost their life in the fire at Twinnell House

We are providing welfare support and emergency accommodation to the affected residents

Thank you to the emergency services for their swift response https://t.co/LWDOoP4CJb

— Marvin Rees (@MarvinJRees) September 25, 2022

Avon Fire and Rescue Service sent eleven fire engines to the scene along with two turntable ladders and other specialist vehicles and said the fire was quickly extinguished.

Avon and Somerset Police superintendent Tony Blatchford said: “This is a tragic incident in which a man has lost his life.

“While formal identification has not yet been carried out, we believe we know who the man is and have informed his next of kin. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“Enquiries into what happened have already begun and we will work closely with the fire service to fully understand what started the fire and how the man sadly died.

“I’d like to thank those who have been evacuated from their homes for their cooperation and understanding and promise them all agencies are working hard to enable them to return home as quickly as possible.”

Residents have reported that they did not hear a fire alarm sounding

Dave Hodges, Avon Fire and Rescue Service duty group commander, said: “On arrival crews were faced with a serious fire on the 16th floor and deployed crews wearing breathing apparatus to tackle the fire and assist residents.

“The upper floors have been damaged by smoke and fire, and water damage has affected many flats on lower floors.

“The fire has now been contained and fire crews remain in attendance making the scene safe. We are working with our partner agencies to support the local community during this difficult time.

“Our sincere condolences go to the friends and family of the deceased.”

“As a Councillor, community member and a father, I am heartbroken by what has taken place at Twinnell House this morning. It is so sad to hear that one of the residents has lost his life in such tragic circumstances”.

— Cllr Yassin Mohamud (@YassinMohamud20) September 25, 2022

A spokesperson for Bristol City Council said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the individual who has tragically lost their life in this incident.

“We’re grateful for the swift action of all emergency services and council officers involved to tackle this fire and support residents to the nearby place of safety. Officers are currently supporting the efforts underway to assess the damage and understand how the fire started.

“Residents affected by this tragic incident are being supported and those who require it will be helped into emergency accommodation whilst their homes remain inaccessible.”

Wills Drive is closed while emergency services remain at the scene. A cordon has been put up around the building.

All photos: Betty Woolerton

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