Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Two firefighters killed rescuing men from blaze

Danielle Demetriou
Wednesday 21 July 2004 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Two firefighters died yesterday while rescuing two men from a building in east London. It was the first double death in the fire service for eight years.

Two firefighters died yesterday while rescuing two men from a building in east London. It was the first double death in the fire service for eight years.

Adam Meere, 27, and Bill Faust, 36, were killed after a roof collapsed at a burning three-storey building in Bethnal Green. The London Fire Brigade received a 999 call to attend a clothes shop, Sohan and Son, shortly after 4am, by which time the fire was spreading to the upper levels where the two residents were trapped.

Eight fire engines and 40 firefighters tackled the blaze. The two men were rescued from the roof of the building and treated for smoke inhalation.

Mr Meere and Mr Faust were seriously injured during the rescue and died shortly after arriving at hospital.

Ken Knight, Commissioner of London Fire Brigade, described the incident as one of the worst moments of his career. He said: "This is a tragic day in fire fighting. We have lost a young man and a young father with three children under the age of six."

A spokesman for Downing Street said: "The Prime Minister sends his sympathies to the families. He recognises the debt that we owe firefighters and the risks that they run to protect people at home and at work.''

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in