#greenfell

Be warned. I don’t pull punches at the end.

There was a tragic incident at Grenfell Tower in London when a fire swept through the apartment in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. I heard about it at my work that day and was absolutely horrified and heartbroken for the people affected by such a traumatic thing. 12 people confirmed to have died, though the number is expected to rise as, sadly, more are uncounted for and missing. Many still in hospital in a critical condition.

There is something eerily unsettling about the sight of Grenfell Tower in absolute flames, so I cannot imagine how terrifying it must have been for those trapped in this nightmare. I couldn't think of anything more scary. Reading all the witness reports and survivor testimonies is truly heartbreaking.

My biggest condolences to those lost and hurt in the fire, to family and friends affected by this. I also want to give big thanks to the volunteers, donors and those giving their wishes during this difficult time. It is because of you that faith in humanity is restored. Importantly, the Emergency services who worked hard through the morning and still continue to help people. You do not get enough love and respect, and your big hearts and commitment to helping people will always be remembered.

What is very worrying is the reports coming out that this terrible tragedy could have been prevented. Over the years, residents have complained about fire safety and been ignored, some even reported being threatened with eviction and lawsuit. There were no sprinklers in the flat, no fire alarms in the corridors. The Fire Action signs within the Tower actually told residents to STAY PUT during a fire. There are now fears confirmed that the cladding surrounding the building itself was flammable given how quickly the fire spread.

That's before we get to all the budget cuts to fire and emergency services, not to mention a rather damning note that Tory MPs voted AGAINST requirements for public sector landlords to ensure properties are fit for human habitation.

To those kicking a stink about bloggers and tweeters and the like for "politicising a tragedy," it is because these poor people were let down by politics that they were struck by such a terrible fate. So many safety flags were raised in the past, but nothing. How else do you explain this other than the fact the sheer scale of the damage and devastation to people's lives could have been thwarted?

Several deaths in the gigantic fire of an HLM in London Greenfell Tower’s

  Did combustible cladding fuel the spread of the vicious Grenfell Tower fire? Photo: Jeremy Selwyn/Evening Standard

  At least six people died in the fire that ravaged a residential building in London today.

Greenfell Tower’s 24-storey tower, which has 120 apartments, was devastated by a fire on Tuesday night, leaving at least six dead and 74 wounded, including 20 today in critical condition.

Ma…

Pożar apartamentowca w Londynie. „Wiele ofiar”

Pożar apartamentowca w Londynie. 27-piętrowy wieżowiec Greenfell Tower w jednej chwili stanął w ogniu. Wielu z jego mieszkańców nie miało szans na ucieczkę. Spali, gdy pojawiły się śmiertelne płomienie. W pożarze apartamentowca w Londynie rannych zostało 50 osób. Pojawiły się też doniesienia o wielu ofiarach. Na razie nie ma pewności, ile osób zginęło. Z pożarem wieżowca Greenfell Tower w…

Here you go, Jin c: