Luton fire: One dead while residents and cops rushed to hospital after tower block blaze

ONE person has died and others rushed to hospital after a huge blaze raged through a tower block this morning.

The fire broke out at around 4am in Green Court, Luton, with resident’s being forced to evacuate as police rushed to the scene.

Google MapsOne person has died after the fire broke out at the block of flats[/caption]

Several residents were taken to hospital, as well as cops, and are understood to have been treated for smoke inhalation.

A probe has been launched into how the blaze at the block of flats started, with residents waiting outside the building trying to get back in.  

A spokesman for Bedfordshire Police said: “The fire at Green Court, Luton, has now been extinguished and we are working with partners including Luton Council and Bedfordshire Fire to look after residents who have been evacuated while the building is made safe.

“A small number of people including residents and police officers have been taken to hospital for treatment, and sadly one person has been confirmed to have died at the scene.

“All occupants have been accounted for.

“We understand this is a difficult time and people will want to know if loved ones are safe.

“We would ask people not to speculate or share images of the incident as it may cause distress to those involved.

“We will provide regular updates as soon as we have them.”

Forty fire fighters were called to Green Court to help tackle the blaze at the building, which is 15 storeys high.

Witnesses claimed that the fire broke out on the 14th floor near the top of the building, but it is unclear how it started.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service added: “Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service are currently at the scene of a serious flat fire in Luton. 

“Ten appliances are in attendance. The fire has now been fully extinguished and crews are working to ensure there are no continuing hotspots. Fire Investigation Team is present.”

In 2016 the fire service was called to Green Court when a blaze broke out in a second storey flat.

Three adults and a child were in the flat at the time and managed to get themselves out, afterwards suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation.