At least 12 killed in fire at London tower block

LONDON • Rescue teams continued to search for those missing after a massive fire yesterday in a central London apartment block left at least 12 people dead.

Police said it was too early to speculate on the cause of the fire that quickly spread through the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in north Kensington.

Many of the residents were trapped in the inferno. Some tried to escape through their windows, while several parents had to resort to dropping their children into the arms of people on the ground.

British Prime Minister Theresa May called a cross-government meeting yesterday, chaired by Policing and Fire Minister Nick Hurd, to coordinate the government response.

Mrs May said she was deeply saddened by the loss of lives. The BBC reported that a political deal between her government and a small Northern Irish party could be delayed following the blaze.

The fire was the latest tragedy in a country that has seen three deadly terrorist attacks, two in London and one in Manchester, since March.

Many residents were trapped in the blaze at the 120-flat Grenfell Tower in west London yesterday.
Many residents were trapped in the blaze at the 120-flat Grenfell Tower in west London yesterday. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 15, 2017, with the headline At least 12 killed in fire at London tower block. Subscribe