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A child has died following an incident involving “hazardous materials” in an east London flat, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) has said. Firefighters went to the home on Barking Road, Upton Park in Newham after two adults and two children attended hospital complaining about a smell of chemicals in a flat. Sadly, one of the children died in hospital while receiving treatment. Around a dozen people were evacuated from nearby homes as a precaution, LFB said. Newham Council said it had opened a local rest centre for those evacuated and residents were not currently allowed back in their homes. Specially trained firefighters carried out a sweep of the affected property and worked to detect any hazardous materials present and to ventilate the scene. The first call reporting the incident was received at 1.18pm on Tuesday and it ended for crews by 4.23pm. The Metropolitan Police, along with the LFB, are investigating the incident. A council spokesperson said: "First of all, our thoughts are with the family of the young child who has so tragically lost their life in this terrible incident. "Details about the exact nature of the incident are not yet clear and the Metropolitan Police will remain on the scene as the investigation progresses. "As a council we have taken speedy measures to ensure those residents who were evacuated are being cared for in a warm, safe environment."
