One Direction's Liam Payne Escapes London Fire, Friend Andy Samuels Hospitalized with Severe Burns after Refueling Outdoor Heater

Several reports confirm that One Direction crooner Liam Payne escaped a dangerous fire at his London apartment on Tuesday (September 3). Apparently, Payne's good friend Andy Samuels was attempting to refuel an outdoor heater when the device suddenly exploded. The 1D heartthrob went unscathed, but Samuels was promptly hospitalized for severe burns.

The London Fire Brigade released this official statement:

"Firefighters worked quickly and professionally to get the fire under control as quickly as possible. Around 30 people left the building before we arrived and were not injured. Two of the occupants had superficial burns to their hands and the third had burns to his hands and face. All three have been taken to hospital."

Samuels remains hospitialized - he allegedly suffered second-degree burns on 20 percent of his body.

The incident took place on Payne's 34th floor balcony. The upper-floor patio is said to be severely damaged from the fire - it took 35 firefighters about 45 minutes to put the flames out.

The "Best Song Ever" singer was inside his apartment at the time, so remained uninjured. He rode with Samuels in the ambulance to the hospital. An insider tells Gossip Cop that Payne's doing fine, although he's concerned for his friend.

Samuels girlfriend tweeted after the fire -  "Thank you so much for all of your lovely messages & prayers. On behalf of Andy's family & I we'd like you to know he is in a stable condition." 

Thoughts go out to Samuels and the boys of One Direction at this time.