Second person confirmed dead following fatal Tilehurst fire

A second person has been confirmed dead following the house fire in Rowe Court, Tilehurst, earlier this month.

Thames Valley Police has confirmed that it “located” a body in the building yesterday (Thursday), 15 days after the fatal fire.

One person had already been confirmed as dead and two people reported as missing, and the police have said it’s likely that the two people who have now been found dead are “likely” to be the missing people.

The bodies remain unrecovered due to the structural instability of the building.

Hakeem Kigundu, 31, formerly of Rowe Court, Reading, has been charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life.

Emergency services and Reading Borough Council continue to work to make the building safe, however it has now started to collapse inward, with parts of the roof falling inside.

Police have warned that the building could collapse at any time, and have advised residents to shut all doors and windows in the event of a collapse to prevent dust from entering.

Superintendent Steve Raffield, local area policing commander for Reading, said: “I understand how distressing this ongoing situation is for all those affected, and in particular, those who live close to the building in question.

“I want people to be aware that all the emergency services as well as partners are doing everything we can to resolve things as quickly and safely as we can.

“I would like to reassure people that in the event of a collapse, they will not be in any danger and that measures are in place to ensure everyone’s safety.

“However, it is possible that a collapse could create a great deal of noise, as well as dust, and could happen at any time of the day or night, so it is important that people are aware of what may happen.

“If you become aware that part of the building has collapsed, there is no need to contact the emergency services.

“Our officers remain at the site, as they have done since the incident occurred, and anyone with any questions or concerns can approach them.”

Doug Buchanan, area manager at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The damage to the building caused by the fire means that it is now structurally unsafe and, unfortunately, the building will now have to be demolished in a careful and controlled manner, which may take some time.

“The priority still remains to confirm whether those reported missing are within the building and if so, recover them respectfully and with dignity.

“As the weather continues to change, there is a possibility that the building could collapse further.

“The scaffolding and exclusion zone around the building will ensure that, should this occur, it will not pose any risk to residents or neighbouring properties.”