The second and third floors of an eight-story building were on fire.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued one man from a second floor flat,” said Station Commander Paul Green, who was on the scene. London Ambulance Service crews transported him to the hospital.

Three more people were led to safety by crews wearing fire escape hoods, and a fourth person was helped out of the building.” They were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene, and three were taken to the hospital.

“Firefighters conducted a thorough search of the block, and two more people were assisted from the structure.”

“Crews are still on the scene following the fire and explosion earlier this evening due to an ongoing gas leak in the building.” As a precaution, a 25-meter cordon has been erected.

A section of Bethnal Green Road has been closed and will most likely remain closed for some time, so motorists are advised to avoid the area as much as possible.

The incident drew 42 calls to the Brigade’s 999 Control Officers.

The Brigade was dispatched at 5.553pm and is still on the scene. Firefighters from Whitechapel, Shoreditch, Shadwell, Dockhead, Islington, and other nearby stations responded.

At this time, the cause of the fire is unknown.