The German air raids of 1940 damaged London Hospital, Whitechapel.
July 17, 2009
July 07, 2009
BOAC 712 - 1968
Barbara Jane Harrison, GC
On April 8, 1968, the No. 2 jet engine of BOAC Flight 712 snapped from the wing after takeoff from London Heathrow Airport and the crippled Boeing 707 returned to the airfield in a fiery and tragic emergency landing.
Flames and fumes killed five people, including flight attendant Jane Harrison, who was trying to rescue a disabled passenger. Harrison, 22, was posthumously awarded the George Cross for her heroism.
Wikipedia said: "The cabin crew started the evacuation, even before the aircraft had come to a halt ... Harrison was last seen preparing to jump, but she turned back and disappeared into the passenger cabin, in an attempt to save the remaining four passengers."
The blazing four-engine 707 had been bound for Australia and was laden with fuel.
"The first two fire engines to arrive were unable to do much, as they stopped too far from the aircraft and their design prevented their moving once they began making foam," according to Wikipedia.
"Paint on the coupling threads of nearby fire hydrants prevented hoses from being attached," Wikipedia said. "A backup foam water tender drove in closer and discharged its foam effectively, but the fire had already gained hold by then."
Flames and fumes killed five people, including flight attendant Jane Harrison, who was trying to rescue a disabled passenger. Harrison, 22, was posthumously awarded the George Cross for her heroism.
Wikipedia said: "The cabin crew started the evacuation, even before the aircraft had come to a halt ... Harrison was last seen preparing to jump, but she turned back and disappeared into the passenger cabin, in an attempt to save the remaining four passengers."
The blazing four-engine 707 had been bound for Australia and was laden with fuel.
"The first two fire engines to arrive were unable to do much, as they stopped too far from the aircraft and their design prevented their moving once they began making foam," according to Wikipedia.
"Paint on the coupling threads of nearby fire hydrants prevented hoses from being attached," Wikipedia said. "A backup foam water tender drove in closer and discharged its foam effectively, but the fire had already gained hold by then."
July 06, 2009
CAMBERWELL - 2009
Photos: Paul Wood (top), on Daily Mirror web site. BBC web site (lower)
On July 3, 2009, fire killed six people in a high-rise apartment building in Camberwell, South London.Firefighters rescued 40 others as flames engulfed the upper levels of the 12-story Lakanal House. The dead had taken refuge in a bathroom on the 11th floor.
``We worked as fast as we could and rescued many people from the block,'' London Fire Commissioner Rob Dobson said. ``Sadly, and to the huge regret of the crews involved we simply could not reach everyone in time.''
The worst of the disaster was above the reach of the fire brigade's tallest ladders, which extend for roughly 100 feet.
Dobson said the fire brigade arrived ``within minutes of being called'' and that ``crews worked under very difficult and hazardous circumstances to reach people trapped in the building as soon as they were able to.''
About 100 firefighters - staffing 18 pumps, as well as six rescue units and two aerial ladder platforms - were assigned to the fire. Members of the London Ambulance Service and the Metropolitan Police were also on the scene assisting. The incident occurred on the territory of the Peckham Fire Station, E37.
Assistant Commissioner Nick Collins, quoted by the Evening Standard, said: ``Some of the firefighters went back in three or four times. They were working at their very limits. We are extremely proud of them.''
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