A woman has tragically passed away following a fire that occurred in a sheltered housing complex in west London.

The incident ignited around 16:30 GMT on January 9 in her flat located on the first floor of a building on Brooks Road, Chiswick. Although firefighters were able to rescue her, she subsequently succumbed to her injuries in the hospital.

In addition, four other residents from nearby flats were also saved and received treatment for smoke inhalation.

According to the London Fire Brigade, the emergency response was initiated by an automatic alarm system, leading to crews arriving on the scene before any emergency calls were placed.

Andy Pennick, the assistant commissioner of the brigade, emphasized the critical role of functioning fire alarms, particularly in residences housing elderly or vulnerable individuals.

A rest center was established for the other residents of the block, who were evacuated from the premises using special escape hoods designed to shield against harmful gases.

Pennick expressed his condolences to the woman’s family and friends and commended the teams who responded to the “difficult and well-established fire.”

The investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway.