Fire destroys block of flats in Sheffield as baby 'thrown out the window' to safety

The blaze on Batemoor Road, Batemoor, was discovered at 8.35pm yesterday and emergency services were deployed.

It is reported that a woman in one of the flats in the block had to throw her baby out of a window to a member of the public below.

One tenant said the block had been ‘destroyed’ and their flat was badly damaged from water damage.

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Residents also rallied together to help residents to safety down ladders.

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Firefighters rescued three residents from the burning block.

In a statement last night, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “Our firefighters have just rescued three people from a flat fire on Batemoor Road, Sheffield.

“We were called at 8.35pm and a crew from Lowedges, who were first on scene, immediately pitched a ladder upto the window to affect a rescue.

“Thanks to working smoke alarms within the flat, neighbours were able to raise the alarm and call 999 to get firefighters on scene.

“From that point a collective effort between our fantastic control operators, fire crews and partner agencies led to the successful rescue.”

Some residents were forced to spend the night elsewhere because of the extent of fire, water and smoke damage to their flats.

One woman, posting on social media, fears she will have to find a permanent new home because of the extent of the damage.

The cause of the blaze has not yet been confirmed by South Yorkshire Police but a statement on the incident is expected later.

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