London tower inferno: what we know so far
Early yesterday morning in London, residents of North Kensington’s Grenfell Tower awoke to what authorities are referring to as the worst residential fire in decades. Flames engulfed the 24-storey building, which is home to between 400 and 600 people.
Now, nearly 24 hours later, parts of the tower are still ablaze and the death toll stands at 12 people – though this number is sadly expected to rise. 68 others have been taken to hospitals around the city, 18 of whom remain critical.
Stories are emerging of incredible acts of heroism as well as horrifying acts of desperation. Witnesses have described a baby being thrown out of a window to safety, while one resident — a mother of two — who documented the fire via a live video on Facebook while trapped in her apartment has not been heard from since.
As the community comes to terms with the horrifying inferno and the lives it has claimed, questions are now being raised as to whether the blaze could have been avoided. The Grenfell Action Group has slammed management for its failure to provide adequate fire training, advice and supplies. One long-time resident described the fire as a “mass murder”, claiming he and his neighbours had complained about the tower’s safety for years.
The building had recently undergone an $11 million refurbishment to modernise its exterior, and Rydon construction, the group behind the renovations, has stated that all the new cladding and windows “met all required building control, fire regulation, and health and safety standards.”
In what has been a horror few weeks for the UK, and London in particular, once again, the community has rallied around those affected by the tragic events. The Kensington and Chelsea council has been inundated with donations of food and supplies, and celebrities have also come out with offers of food and shelter.
Jamie Oliver took to Instagram to invite those affected to his nearby Jamie’s Italian restaurant, where they’ll receive free shelter, food and drink. Lily Allen also offered to take victims into her own home and provide them with beds and tea.
Others, including former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson, New Zealand supermodel Rachel Hunter, singer Rita Ora and many more have also offered their love and support.
Video credit: Twitter/Natalie_Oxford via Storyful.