Incident involving dangerous substances in a Barking Road flat results in death of a child

29 October 2025 , 09:03

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Incident involving dangerous substances in a Barking Road flat results in death of a child

One child has died after ‘a hazardous materials incident’ broke out in a flat in east London.

Firefighters rushed to the family home on Barking Road, Upton Park, after two adults and two children went to hospital complaining about a smell of chemicals.

Tragically, one of the children later died whilst receiving treatment.

Around 12 neighbors were evacuated as a precaution as firefighters rushed into the home.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: ‘Specially trained firefighters carried out a systematic sweep of the affected property, working to detect any hazardous materials present and ventilate the scene.

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‘The first call reporting the incident was received at 1:20 pm, and firefighters from Poplar, Millwall, Euston and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

‘The incident was over for crews by 4:20 pm.’

The Metropolitan Police are investigating the source of the leak.

A council spokesperson said: ‘Details about the exact nature of the incident are not yet clear and the Metropolitan Police will remain on the scene as the investigation progresses.

"‘As a council, we have taken speedy measures to ensure those residents who were evacuated are being cared for in a warm, safe environment.’

Emily Hughes