Student rescued from blazing Southsea flat

News

By The UPSU.net webteam

Last updated: Fri 13th Jan 2006 at 16:30

Firefighters were called to Elm Grove early this morning as student Chris Yorke was trapped in his flat during a fire which caused the partial collapse of the building above Tescos.

Chris Yorke, a Students' Union Sabbatical Officer, was rescued by the Fire Service who used a ladder to reach him. Surrounding houses have been evacuated as the fire caused parts of the building to collapse.

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'I could see all the flames on the bed and the bedside cabinet. I got up and got everybody else up and told them to get out.'

Student Chris Yorke

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From the Union:

Fire safety: don't be caught out!

The students that lived in the flat and flats surrounding it are all safe and have been provided with clothes and food by the Salvation Army, the Union and the University.

In line with policy, the University has ensured that the students concerned have been provided with accommodation.

An eyewitness has reported that the Tesco Express, situated underneath the site of the fire, has been largely destroyed after the ceiling collapsed.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. More information on this story can be found at BBC News Hampshire.