A woman is in critical condition after her clothing caught fire on a street in Edinburgh's St Leonards area. Emergency services responded to the incident outside flats on St Leonards Street at around 12:10pm on Monday, June 22.
Bystanders Attempt Rescue
Distressing footage, which was too graphic to publish, shows the woman writhing on the ground and trying to remove her trousers as flames engulfed the lower half of her body. Bystanders, including two Royal Mail workers, attempted to extinguish the fire by striking her with clothing and a blanket. A woman also rushed forward to throw water on the flames, but it had little effect.
The clip ends with the woman lying on the pavement as locals continued their efforts. Firefighters arrived, extinguished the flames, and left the scene with police.
Police and Fire Service Statements
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'Around 12.10pm on Monday, 22 June, 2026, police were called to a report of a seriously injured woman outside flats on St Leonards Street, Edinburgh. The woman was taken by ambulance to hospital where medical staff describe her condition as critical. There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances. Enquiries are ongoing.'
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: 'We received reports of a fire at Carnegie Court Corner on Bowmont Place at 12.10pm on Monday June 22. Two appliances were mobilised and extinguished the fire. The incident was left with Police Scotland.'
Ongoing Investigation
The cause of the fire remains unclear, but police have stated that there are no suspicious circumstances. Enquiries are ongoing as the woman continues to fight for her life in hospital.
