London house blaze claims life of youth from Kakinada

RAJAHMUNDRY: A 28-year-old youth from Peddapuram in Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh, died in a tragic fire accident in Croydon, South London. The victim, G Abhishek, had moved to London in 2023 to pursue an MBA. His father, Oscar Rao, works as a community health officer and serves as the secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Medical Employees Association.The fatal incident occurred when a fire engulfed a derelict two-storey house on Duppas Hill Terrace, adjacent to the A232 Croydon Flyover, around 1.30 am on Monday (Feb 23). According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), flames ripped through both the ground and first floors of the building.Abhishek was pronounced dead at the spot, while another man was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries. A third person managed to escape the building but suffered smoke inhalation and was also taken to hospital.Around 40 firefighters and six fire engines from Croydon, Wallington, Woodside, and nearby stations battled the blaze. The fire was brought under control by 2.47 am, the LFB said.Both the London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the fire.