Heart-Stopping Video Shows Cops Rescuing People Trapped Inside Burning Building In London

The London police are being lauded for bravely saving lives by entering a burning building and evacuating 160 people. The incident took place past midnight on March 1, when fire broke out in a building at the Emperor’s Gate, in South Kensington, west London. On Monday, the Metropolitan Police shared body-worn video footage of the moment officers kicked down the door of the burning and guided people from a smoke-filled corridor to the exit. In the video, the police officers are also heard directing people trapped on the upper floors to not panic and cover their doors to prevent smoke from filling in their rooms. The people on the higher floors are later seen being evacuated with ladders.

While sharing this video, the Metropolitan police wrote, “Officers fearlessly ran into a burning building to rescue those trapped inside. They arrived in under five minutes and thanks to their quick action no one suffered serious injuries. Seven officers and six residents were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and have since been discharged.”

Commenting on this video, an Instagram user wrote, “I have so much respect for our emergency services. We really need to see more videos of what they really do so the public see how hard the job really is.” Another person wrote, “Great job is done by our emergency services (ambulance, police, fire brigade). They work day and night, all year long and try to do their best on helping everyone. They deal with a lot of verbal and physical abuse which must be banned. Thank you emergency services.”

People also mentioned that police personnel should have safety gear to stay safe from smoke or fire. An Instagram user wrote, “Police officers need to use oxygen masks it’s too risky.” Another person wrote, “Maybe the police need to carry smoke hoods – like sometimes available on planes.”

According to Sky News, a 25-year-old man has been charged on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody. It is believed that the fire started on the ground floor and quickly spread. Arnis Altens, who was rescued from the building told BBC, that he saw the whole building set ablaze within 14 minutes.

While talking about the police personnel’s quick response to the incident, Superintendent Jill Horsfall told Sky News, “The bravery and professionalism of the Met officers who responded so rapidly to this terrifying fire shows the very best of policing. They acted without hesitation to rapidly enter a burning building full of smoke and to save lives.”