Grenfell Tower

[RhythmAndStealth]

Watching the news just now and I can't believe my eyes. It looks absolutely horrific.

I want to think everyone got out safe, but sadly I just can't.

Some of the news reports are about alleged poor safety standards and dangerous living conditions. If that's true it just beggars belief.

(NB I don't know anything about that organisation, am just C&Ping)

Fire seems to be getting worse now and taking hold on I damaged areas

Freak
Yes I have, but I'm not a structural engineer or fire control expert, so I don't know what it means

But DH is, and he has said it isn't the cladding that has caused this, because the way it is manufactured and fitted, with separation barriers, means it cannot cause the spread of fire.

I don't know more than that, I'm afraid

Omg this is horrifying

Will anyone still be alive in there ? It looks too severe ??

I bet the council bosses there are shitting themselves about accountability, buck will be passed around as usual.How many times did residents warn them? But of course the council knew better, not! Sickening , money before people as per usual

"Government was warned it was endangering lives after delaying review of tower block fire safety regulations"

They have blood on their hands.

If this is true RTB the Conservative government shows it has only contempt for ordinary citizens. Sound bytes, scape goating, one-upmanshipping but no effective humane governing.

Children, the disabled, elderly vulnerable people were unable to flee some are still stuck in the tower.

It really looks like the UK is a failed first world country.

If you are seriously local, it might be worth seeing if you can help with supplies.

Otherwise, the emergencies services want people to keep away (there are road closures and part of the Tube line is closed.

Better to wait and give - either money or items- once there is a clear appeal IYSWIM so there is a better chance of the right things reaching the right people.

The smoke is getting much thicker. There must be lots of MN era in Holland park and the surrounding areas, I presume they shouldn't go outside because of the smoke

Thank goodness they have just said on the news more people have come out alive!

Absolutely horrific news. This could have been avoided, heartbreaking.

People still in there reports have just said

Dry rise system is in place in this building I just heard

Please can I suggest that we hold off making donations via crowdfunding sites until a coordinated, legitimate fund is established? Sickeningly, there were those who attempted to capitalise on people's generosity after Manchester with bogus funds.

I imagine that a full disaster emergency fund will have to be established.

Im a firefighter and the last labour government started a campaign to knock down every tower block in the country. The Tories took power and stopped it for cheap housing. High rises are death traps. No question

This is 100% categorically untrue

There was never a Labour policy to knock down tower blocks, let alone a plan to demolish every one in the country! There has some limited regeneration which has included demolishing tower blocks, but that is where they have been unfit for habitation or would cost too much to bring up to standard, not just because they were towerblocks. Low rise blocks have been demolished for the same reason

I live next to a high rise council estate, and several of the tower blocks were refurbished under Labour

And countless new build blocks have been granted planning permission and built in recent decades under all colours of government

Where did it say people are coming out alive ??? I really hope many more get out . They have been trapped for hours and hours . Poor poor people

Also, it's Grenfell...BBC have it named as Glenfell

Not to nit pick but might confuse

I cannot imagine the absolute horror for all the families living in this block. I hope this will lead to an inspection and rethink of any other blocks like this. It is ludicrous that there are no sprinkler systems in place. Fire is one of my greatest fears. The thought of parents throwing out their children is horrifying.
People's lives should not be at risk like this. My thoughts are with everyone involved and especially with the people that have lost their lives.

"We rescued large numbers of people" - Fire chief #grenfelltower

Huge respect to the Fire brigade.

The fire service will have plans of how to deal with incidents like this. But if the fire is to severe as this appears to be they won't be any use. I'm not sure all the speculation is any help at the minute. The BBC interviewer is just adding to it. Terrible tragedy.

piers is giving the refurbishment spokesman a real grilling

I had to turn the news over as it was so heartbreaking seeing images of the elderly man. Does anyone know if he has been rescued?

Heartbreaking.

I can't believe there are people in here still trying to score political points with unfounded accusations at a time like this.

Maybe they should concentrate on the human aspects before spouting their crap.

I live locally and want to help. Can someone more practical than me suggest what would be most useful? I have a newborn and pram so don't think I can get too close. Would it be useful to take clothes and shoes (both adult and children)? Is there something more obvious?

Condensed - saying things like and the fire spread quickly because of plastic cladding is NOT helpful. We don't know that yet.