GRENFELL TOWER TRAGEDY
Deadly fire declared a “national disaster”
On 14 June, a terrible fire engulfed a block of flats in North Kensington, in London. Grenfell Tower was home to between 400 and 600 people, and it is thought that at least 79 people died.
What happened?
The fire began in the early hours of the morning, while many people were asleep. Lots of residents managed to escape, but some people say that the fire alarms didn’t go off. The fire rapidly spread up the 24-storey block. Around 200 firefighters in 40 fire engines arrived at the scene, some within six minutes, and rescued a number of people very quickly. It is thought the fire began in a lower-floor flat.
Why did this happen?
No one knows exactly how the fire started but people think that the outer material of the building was not fireproof. It is believed that there were other problems with the design of the building, too. Lots of people are angry with the local council and the Government, and say that this fire should never have happened. Residents had previously expressed their concerns about the risks of fire in the tower. On 17 June, protests were held in London, as people demanded justice for those who died and an explanation of what went wrong.
What was the response?
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has described the fire as a “national disaster” requiring a “national response”. Khan, the Prime Minister, Theresa May, the Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, and the Queen have all visited the victims of the fire. May said the fire was an “unimaginable tragedy” but praised the brave response of the emergency services. Theresa May has announced that the Government has set up an emergency fund of £5 million for the victims, to help them rebuild their lives, and said that all the people living in the block would be found new homes. Police are now investigating to find out
who is responsible for the tragedy.
How have people helped?
People have donated books, toys, clothes, money and even holidays for the survivors, who have lost everything. Meanwhile, a charity single, featuring 50 artists including Rita Ora and Liam Payne and organised by Simon Cowell, has been released to raise money for those who were affected.