LONDON (AA & The Muslim News): London’s senior fire fighter has said there has been fatalities from a huge fire which ripped through a 27-story apartment block in the U.K. capital overnight. Six people have died, the number is expected to rise. Local mosques and churches have opened their doors to those affected by the fire.
The blaze at Grenfell Tower — a residential building in the north Kensignton area — began overnight. London’s Ambulance Service said it had taken 50 people to five hospitals.
However, it is reported people on higher levels of the building may have been trapped as firefighters tried to tackle the blaze.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said 40 engines and 200 firefighters were involved in trying to rescue residents and described the fire as a “major incident”.
The area has been cordoned off and adjacent properties evacuated.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said that he is “truly devastated to see the horrific scenes of the major fire” at Grenfell Tower in Kensington.
He said “my heart goes out to everyone affected” and confirmed the news that there have been fatalities and “more than fifty people have been taken to hospitals.”
“One of the concerns that we have is it’s a 24-storey building but for obvious reasons, with the scale of the fire, our experts weren’t able to reach all the way to the top, so of course these are questions that need to be answered as soon as possible,” he added.
Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton said: “In my 29 years of being a firefighter, I have never ever seen anything of this scale.”
Many local people are helping those affected by the fire. Churches and mosques have opened their doors to them.
Al-Manaar Mosque and Centre, which is located near the building, said they are open for use as a temporary shelter by anyone affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower. “Anyone of any faith or no faith is most welcome to walk in to have some rest, sleep, and or have some water and food. Al-Manaar staff and volunteers will also be trying to deliver water, dates, and other emergency essentials to the affected area. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.” said the Mosque.
Mosque contact details: 02089641496 or 07500223914 or 07754271744. Our address: 244 Acklam Road London W10 5YG
St. Clements Church has turned into an evacuation centre.
The cause of the blaze remains unknown.
[Photo: Firefighter team extinguish a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London in the early hours of this morning on June 14, 2017 in London, England. Photographer: Kate Green/AA]