You couldn't make this up.

Four firefighters trapped inside lift after refusing to use stairs during flat blaze
By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
16th July 2011


Four firemen were admitted to hospital after being trapped in an inferno - because they used the lift in a burning tower block.

The unlucky firefighters got stuck in the lift after they disobeyed one of the basic rules of fire safety: in case of fire, use the stairs.

They were called to the 17-storey building when a fire broke out on the fourth floor. Over 100 residents were evacuated in a two-hour operation to bring the fire under control.


Brave: Nine residents had to be rescued from the blaze using ladders

A source slammed the firefighters' error, according to the Sun: 'It beggars belief firemen used the lift. Everyone has it drilled into them to use the stairs - even in a fire drill.'

In total, 75 firemen were needed to tackle the blaze, which started around three o'clock yesterday morning at the Salamanca Tower in Lambeth, south London.


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Nine residents closest to the inferno had to be rescued via ladders, though most others were led down through the stairwells.

The building was only built three years ago, but it suffered 'extensive damage' in the blaze, according to a fire service spokesman.


Aftermath: The brand-new building is looking a bit worse for wear after yesterday's fire

At least 10 people were treated at the scene for the effects of heat and smoke, while seven had to go to hospital. None of these is thought to be seriously injured.

The London Fire Brigade confirmed that the four firemen trapped in the lift suffered 'minor smoke inhalation and slight heat exhaustion'. They have all been released from hospital.

An investigation is now under way into why the firefighters chose to use the lifts. A further investigation into the cause of the fire has also been launched.