Plumber dies and family overwhelmed by fumes after 'explosion' in New Cross flats

Man thought to have suffered electric shock and pronounced dead at scene Residents said explosion happened when plumber poured fluid down drain Described it as being like a 'disaster movie' and 'crazy, absolutely crazy' A family of five were taken to hospital from the flats in New Cross, London All 20 flats in building evacuated and residents took shelter on a night bus

By Thomas Burrows for MailOnline

Published: 11:56 EST, 2 January 2015 | Updated: 17:03 EST, 2 January 2015

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A plumber has died and a family taken to hospital from a block of flats which was evacuated because of chemical fumes.

The man was believed to have suffered an electric shock and was pronounced dead at the scene.

He is understood to have been unblocking a sink using a drain cleaning fluid when the tragedy happened on the fourth floor of the flat on New Year's Day.

Residents said a small 'explosion' took place when the plumber - who has not been named - poured the fluid down a drain.

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Plumber dies and family overwhelmed by fumes after 'explosion' in New Cross flats