More than 200 firefighters are tackling a massive blaze at a 27-floor block of flats in London, with reports of people trapped in their homes.
Forty engines were called to the 27-storey Grenfell Tower at just after 1.15am on Wednesday, on the Lancaster West Estate, north Kensington.
Police say a “number of people are being treated for a range of injuries”, including smoke inhalation, as pictures from the scene showed flames shooting metres into the sky and engulfing most of the block.
Actor and writer Tim Downie, who lives around 600 metres away told the Press Association he feared the block could collapse.
“It’s horrendous. The whole building is engulfed in flames. It’s gone. It’s just a matter of time before this building collapses.
“I just hope they have got everyone out.
“People have been bringing water, clothes, anything they’ve got to help, out to the cordon.
“I have seen people coming out in their bedclothes – it’s just very distressing.”
Residents are being evacuated from the tower block, the Metropolitan Police said.
The cause of the fire is not known at this stage, London Fire Brigade said.
Fabio Bebber wrote on Twitter: “More screams for help as the fire spreads to another side of the building.
“We can see how quick the fire spreads via the external panels. It’s unbearable hearing someone screaming for their lives at #grenfelltower.”
George Clarke, who presents the Channel 4 TV show Amazing Spaces, told Radio 5 Live: “I’m 100 metres away and I’m absolutely covered in ash.
“It’s so heartbreaking, I’ve seen someone flashing their torches at the top level and they obviously can’t get out.
Source: theaustralian.com.au
