Person killed as fire rips through Box Hill apartment building

A person has died after a fire ripped through an apartment building in Melbourne’ eastern suburbs.

Emergency services were called to an apartment block on Bishop St in Box Hill shortly before 8pm on Monday after reports of a fire.

Upon arrival, ambulance, police and fire crews saw flames coming from the second level.

“Firefighters arrived on scene within four minutes and were able to quickly gain entry to the apartment, locating and removing a single occupant,” a Fire Rescue Victoria spokesman told NewsWire.

A resident inside the building, who is yet to be formally identified, was declared dead at the scene.

The building was declared under control within 15 minutes, and all other residents who lived in the building were safely evacuated.

A Victoria Police spokesman told NewsWire that early investigations indicated the fire was not suspicious. “An arson chemist will attend the property,” they said.Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.