LONDON — A fire engulfed an east London apartment building early Monday, sending thick black smoke into the air and sending two people to hospital for medical treatment.
London Fire Brigade said the fire was reported at 2.44am and the entire building was affected, including scaffolding surrounding the property and the roof.
The building has been evacuated and an extensive search and rescue operation is underway. London Ambulance Service said four people were treated at the scene and two were taken to hospital.
As many as 40 fire trucks and approximately 225 firefighters responded to the fire in the building, which has both residential and commercial units. The cause of the fire is not yet known.