Anger mounts over fire
Grim search for bodies with about 70 high-rise residents missing.
Public fury over the London high-rise fire is mounting as exhausted London firefighters continued their grim search yesterday for victims of the inferno that killed at least 30 people.
Residents and neighbours are demanding answers for how the blaze spread so quickly after reports said contractors installed a cheaper, less flame-resistant type of exterior panelling in a renovation of Grenfell Tower that ended 13 months ago.
Around 70 people are missing, according to Britain’s Press Association, and identification of the victims is proving difficult.
The Queen marked her official birthday yesterday by saying Britain remains “resolute in the face of adversity” after the horrendous fire and recent extremist attacks in London and Manchester.
The 91-year-old monarch said it is “difficult to escape a very sombre mood” on what is normally a day of celebration. She appeared upset and she and grandson Prince William visited fire survivors on Friday.
Rescue personnel have had difficulty reaching the top floors of the charred, 24-storey tower. Officials warn that no further survivors are likely to be found.
Hundreds have been left homeless by the blaze, putting more pressure on London which already has a chronic housing shortage.
The Government has promised a full public inquiry, but that has done little to a sense of frustration at the lack of information about how the fire moved so quickly to engulf the building.
Engineering experts and fire safety specialists believe the building’s exterior cladding may have quickly fuelled the blaze, overwhelming fire protection devices.
British officials have ordered a review of other buildings that have had similar renovations.
The horrific fire early Wednesday morning has put increased pressure on Prime Minister Theresa May and her senior ministers when her authority has been weakened by an election that saw her Conservative Party lose its majority in Parliament. May was jeered after she made a visit to the community on Friday.
The tragedy has provoked a gigantic response from nearby communities that have donated food and shelter to the victims. More than £3 million ($5.3m) has been raised for the victims, and the Government has announced a £5m emergency fund. Scuffles broke out near the Kensington and Chelsea town hall offices yesterday as demonstrators chanting “We want justice!” surged toward the doors.
Some residents had warned months ago that the tower represented a dangerous fire risk but say their complaints were ignored.