Residents escape with their lives as blaze destroys four flats in Shipston
A number of residents miraculously escaped death when a block of four flats in Shipston-on-Stour was destroyed by a blaze on Saturday.
The flats, off Husbandman Close, were totally destroyed in the fire. It is understood two people jumped from a first floor window to escape the flames and that one man was taken to hospital with burns.
Four fire appliances from Warwickshire and Gloucestershire, eight police cars, ambulances and two air-ambulance cars rushed to the scene after the fire broke out at around 8pm on Saturday evening.
The blaze has shocked the town which is now pulling together to raise money to help those left without homes or their possessions.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been launched and has raised nearly £2,500 within 12 hours of publication. Townsfolk are flooding social media with offers of furniture, bedding and household equipment to restore the flats when they are rebuilt.
Paramedic Abi Coombs, of Hawthorn Way, Shipston, started the fundraising effort. She said there was mystery around the cause of the fire.
"The block of four flats is destroyed. All four flats are burned out and and there's much damage to the adjoining block,” she said.
“It’s right next to the primary school which hasn't been affected. One of its entrances has been blocked off.
"Lots of people were asking for a GoFundMe appeal so I set one up. I can't believe we've raised so much in 12 hours. It is amazing. Shipston is one of those places – we have such a great community. Everyone comes together.”
Ms Coombs said the two people she knew who lived in the flats lived alone. She said Shipston Town Council is setting up a bank account specially for the relief effort and the money raised through GoFundMe will be deposited there.
“It is going to need long-term support and help. It's brought to the forefront how quickly your life can be turned upside down – how easily we're all only one night away from being homeless in this way. It could happen to anyone. It's great how people have rallied round so far and we're so grateful for their help.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service is expected to release a statement today.