Firefighters Rescue Trapped Resident as Debris Blocks Exits

Residents of three terraced homes in Notting Hill were forced to evacuate in the early hours of Wednesday morning after part of a roof collapsed unexpectedly, sending rubble onto the pavement below.

The incident occurred around 1am on McGregor Road, west London, when the front gable end of the roof gave way. Emergency services responded swiftly, with two fire engines and multiple firefighters arriving at the scene to assess the damage and assist those affected.

One resident, trapped in a lower-ground flat, had to be rescued by firefighters using a 32-metre ladder after their exit was blocked by fallen debris. Another long-time occupant, who had lived in the building for two decades, was filmed expressing his shock at the destruction, standing amid the wreckage of bricks and dust.

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea confirmed that no injuries were reported. Temporary accommodation was provided for displaced residents while structural engineers assessed the buildings’ safety. Officials warned of road closures and disruption in the area throughout the day.

London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner Pat Goulbourne praised the rapid response of emergency crews, who arrived within minutes and swiftly ensured the safety of those still inside. Firefighters used internal staircases to assist most residents to safety, while specialised equipment was deployed for those unable to exit due to the rubble.