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Camberwell tower blaze 'caused by faulty TV'
22 Jul 2009A fire which killed six people in a tower block was sparked by an electrical fault in an old television set, police said today.
An inquiry was launched after a huge blaze swept through Lakanal House in Camberwell, south London, on July 3.
Police said a television which was at least 10 years old caught fire after being left plugged in on the ninth floor.
The inquiry involved officers from the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade and the Forensic Science Service.
Detective Inspector Rick Murphy said: "Initial results have found that the cause of the fire was an electrical fault originating in a portable TV set that was at least 10 years old.
"The make and model of the television set have not been confirmed so we will not speculate. It was in a room on the ninth floor."
Mr Murphy said London Fire Brigade advises people to make sure all televisions are unplugged at the socket when not in use.
He added: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families of those who died in the fire. The investigation continues into how the fire spread."
Dayana Francisquini, 26, and her children, six-year-old Thais, and Filipe, three, were among the six victims of the fire.
Helen Udoaka, 34, her three-week-old daughter Michelle and 31-year-old Catherine Hickman also died. They all lived on the 11th floor.
Local Labour MP Harriet Harman has backed calls for a public inquiry into fire safety in high-rise buildings after the blaze.
Police forensic officers and fire investigators have undertaken a fingertip search of Lakanal House to discover why it spread so quickly.
Architects have raised questions about the materials used in the building, including modern plastic window frames and facades.
Several residents described the complicated layout of the tower block as "a maze" which made the evacuation difficult.
The tower block had undergone a £3 million refurbishment programme two years ago.
Reader views (3)
So we're not allowed to have TV s that are more than 10 years old now, are we? I guess it's a crime against both HD and consumerism? Is it LFB policy that we should all buy new TVs every 5 years? Are they sponsored by Currys? - these days nothing would surprise me...
- David, Twickenham, Middlesex, 23/07/2009 06:48
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In keeping with the traditions of the labour government I suspect there will now be a major initiative to replace all old television sets of those on welfare. I am sure the treasury will be able to find funds for this, even if they have to cancel orders for some helicopters.
- Ciccio, Toronto, Canada., 23/07/2009 03:13
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The statement issued by the London Fire Brigade is too simplistic. Really any electrical device should be unplugged when not in use especially if, for instance, a transformer is involved. I wonder if the Fire brigade unplug their computers overnight, I doubt it. We should also be aware that the quality of electrical goods seems to be going down as their prices sink. A kettle for under a fiver is looking for trouble and whilst normally fine, if left on and the thermostat does not work it could cause a disaster.
- Jack Spratt, Richmond, Surrey, 22/07/2009 17:59
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