As the harrowing news of the fire at Grenfell Tower sinks in across London and the rest of the world, stories of the occupants’ desperate bids for survival have surfaced in the media.
Eye-witnesses have recounted watching parents ‘throwing’ their kids from the 23-floor building – screaming, ‘Save my children’ – in attempts to protect them from the flames engulfing the West London building.
One eye witness, Samira Lamrani, recalled how she watched one mother throw her baby from a window on the ninth floor.
Samira Lamrani told the Press Association: “The windows were slightly ajar. A woman was gesturing that she was about to throw her baby, and if somebody could catch her baby.
“Somebody did – a gentleman ran forward and managed to grab the baby.”
London Fire Brigade confirm a 'number of fatalities' in tower block fire pic.twitter.com/qkZlHWXCPP
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) June 14, 2017
With 120 homes situated within the building, many families have been left homeless, with nothing more than the clothes on their back to their names.
A number of makeshift centres have been set up to help out those in need, and a number of celebrities have stepped up to lend their support and assistance.
Singer and mum-of-two Lily Allen took to Twitter to offer her help, writing: “If anyone needs a bed or a lift, or tea – tweet me and I’ll follow back.”
Jeremy Clarkson urged: “People of Kensington, remember to give what you can spare – clothes, etc. – to those made homeless by that terrible fire.”
Meanwhile, comedian Dara O’Briain shared information directing those affected to the various donation centres around the area.
Just received this from a friend living near Grenfell House in Notting Hill, if anyone wants to help: pic.twitter.com/4fpYD9qnpu
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) June 14, 2017
If anyone need a bed or a lift, or tea tweet me and I'll follow back. #NorthKensington
— lily #labourtine(@lilyallen) June 14, 2017
He posted a message he received from a friend, which read: “Attention, West London people! The residents who escaped Grenfell House only have the clothes they stand up in, mainly nightclothes at that. There is an urgent need for clothes to fit all ages; toiletries, toys, etc.”
According to early statements from the emergency services, there have been ‘a number of fatalities’ from the tragedy, with at least 50 people being treated in hospitals around the city.
Anyone concerned about a loved one is asked to get in touch with the police via 0800 0961 233.
We are thinking of all those affected by this horrific tragedy.
