The man who died in a blaze at a tower block in Easton in Bristol was killed when he fell while trying to escape the blaze, police have confirmed.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said that the deceased man, who has not yet been named, is 'believed to have fallen from the 16th floor as he tried to escape the fire inside the flat'.
Eye witnesses have reported two other men in the flat managed to scramble along the outside edge of the building to neighbouring properties, but a third didn't make it and tragically fell to his death below.
Easton tower block fire updates: Man dead and eight in hospital after blaze
The fire filled upper corridors with smoke and led to 90 residents of Twinnell House in Easton with smoke and police also confirmed that their officers assisted with the evacuation of residents by banging on people's doors. Residents said the building's fire alarm did not activate as firefighters tackled the blaze on the top floor.
Eight people were taken to hospital – seven for treatment for smoke inhalation and another for minor burns – while three others were treated by the ambulance service at the scene.
A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: “The fire was quickly extinguished however sadly, we can confirm one person died in the incident. Around 90 residents have been evacuated and a rest centre set up at St. Nicholas Of Tolentino RC Church, Lawfords Gate, where Bristol City Council is currently providing welfare support to around 40 people."
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