BBC Report on Dangerous Overcrowding

A BBC investigation highlights the harrowing experience of our client, Nazmush Shahadat, who narrowly escaped a fatal fire in an overcrowded east London flat in 2023. Eighteen people were crammed into a two-bedroom flat, where a faulty e-bike battery sparked a blaze that killed one man. Survivors describe appalling living conditions and ongoing trauma. Read the full article on BBC News. 

We represent Nazmush Shahadat, who survived this devastating fire. Mr Shahadat had moved into the Shadwell HMO as a last resort, having arrived in the UK to study law, only to find that his promised accommodation had fallen through. The conditions he encountered were squalid: severe overcrowding, mould-infested walls, vermin, and no regard for safety.

On the night of the fire, 18 people, mostly food delivery workers, were crammed into the flat. The blaze, caused by a malfunctioning e-bike battery charging under a bunk bed, quickly engulfed the property. While Mr Shahadat and others escaped, one resident tragically lost his life.

We are acting for Mr Shahadat in a landmark legal action against:

• The landlords, for negligence and breaches under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. The landlords have already been convicted of numerous housing offences.

• The manufacturer of the e-bike battery, for negligence under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.

Our client lost all their belongings and continues to suffer the long-term physical and psychological consequences of what should have been entirely preventable.