Four people were dramatically rescued and more than three dozen others evacuated after a fire broke out at a central London hotel in the early hours of the morning.
Dramatic Rescues in the Early Hours
Firefighters were called to the three-star Mabledon Court Hotel, located between King's Cross and St Pancras stations, at around 2am. Upon arrival, crews discovered a fire in the basement, which had caused damage to that part of the building.
More than 30 guests and staff had already managed to leave the building before the emergency services arrived. However, the situation remained critical for four individuals who required direct assistance from the fire crews.
Specialist Equipment Used in Evacuation
Two people trapped on the fourth floor were rescued by firefighters using an internal staircase and specialist fire escape hoods. These hoods provide vital protection from toxic gases like carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide for up to 15 minutes.
In a separate operation, another two individuals were brought to safety from the building using a turntable ladder. All four rescued persons were assessed at the scene by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.
The London Fire Brigade confirmed that the first call about the blaze was received at 1.59am. Crews from Soho, Islington, Kentish Town and surrounding stations were dispatched to tackle the incident, which was brought under control by 3.10am.
Cause and Crucial Safety Warning
Investigators believe the fire was accidental, caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson issued a stark reminder about the dangers, stating: "If you're a smoker, it's absolutely vital you ensure your cigarette is completely out when you've finished smoking it."
The spokesperson emphasised that failing to properly extinguish a cigarette risks causing a fire that could "not only destroy your home but also cost you your life." The Daily Mail has contacted the Mabledon Court Hotel for comment on the incident.
