Several people have been taken to hospital some described with serious injuries after a house fire In Erleigh Road, Reading. This morning we visited the scene where a single fire engine remained and the area around the property cordoned off.
At 1:15 am on Wednesday, 5 April, the emergency services received reports of a serious house fire.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Wokingham Road, Caversham Road, Whitley Wood, Wokingham, Theale, Bracknell, Slough, Ascot and Windsor were all sent to the scene. Additionally, the Incident Command Unit and three Officers attended.
The fire has now been extinguished by crews. The fire service reported some serious injuries to the occupants who are now being treated in the hospital. Firefighters have been on the scene overnight and a fire engine will likely remain on the scene for some time. Officers will be working alongside Thames Valley Police to conduct a joint investigation.
The Aftermath of the Fire
South Central Ambulance Service said it deployed eight ambulances, a hazard area response team and an air ambulance.
Police described the blaze as “a large house fire” and said officers would remain at the scene as an investigation continues.
Supt Zahid Aziz said: “The family affected by this fire will be offered support, and we have commenced a joint investigation with Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service.”
I spoke to nearby residents who said they believe the occupants to be the owner of a local garage and his wife. The aftermath of such a serious fire has left the residential streets eerily quiet this morning.
I spoke to local residents who feared for the lives of the occupants and were in shock about what happened. One resident said: “These are hard-working people who are now seriously injured – it’s just awful.”