(posted 8008 days ago)Blaze sparks terror
May 24 2002By Vicky Wilks, South London Press
NEIGHBOURS told how they fled from their block of flats in terror when a huge blaze started on the roof where contractors were busy working.
Dara Aniss, who lives in a first-floor flat of the five-storey Hayles Building in Elliotts Row, Elephant and Castle, said residents could feel the heat from the fire as they ran for safety at about 11am on Wednesday.
She said: "The roof went up and the flames were sky-high - it was frightening.
"The wind was blowing them and the netting attached to the scaffolding on the sides of the building was catching fire. We could feel the intense heat."
Ray Fuller, of nearby St Mary's Gardens, watched the fire take hold.
He said: "There was lots of thick, black smoke that had a toxic smell."
Another resident of Elliotts Row, who didn't want to be named, said he couldn't see from one end of the short road to the other because it was filled with black smoke.
In all, about 50 people escaped from the Hayles building before fire crews arrived on the scene.
At least 30 firefighters battled for nearly two hours to put the blaze out. Traffic in Kennington and the Elephant and Castle was brought to a standstill as busy St George's Road was closed by cops.
No residents were hurt but a workman suffered minor burns to his hand and arms. Three others were treated for smoke inhalation and shock.
The roof was the only part of the building which was damaged.
As the South London Press went to press, the cause of the fire was still being investigated but fire- fighters didn't think it was suspicious.