'Unknown Numbers' of Bodies in Grenfell Tower
12 confirmed dead and 37 people admitted to hospitals across London
Picture: @Natalie_Oxford
Commander Stuart Cundy of the Metropolitan Police Service has confirmed that the number of people killed in the horrific Grenfell Tower fire is expected to rise as the investigation into the blaze continues.
He has released a statement saying:"This remains an active operation by our colleagues from the Fire Brigade.
"Sadly I can confirm that 12 people have died that we know of. There is going to be a long and complex recovery operation. I do anticipate the number of fatalities will sadly increase beyond those 12 people.
"The thoughts of all of us from the emergency services - and I am sure colleagues from the local authority and all Londoners - are with those that have been so affected by a fire on a scale that we have probably not seen in London for many, many years.
"I have said before, and I would reiterate again, from a police perspective what's really important that we identify and account for everybody.
"We have had call handlers in our Casualty Bureau taking hundreds of calls today. Now our experience shows us in cases like this, it is very, very challenging to put a number on how many people are unaccounted for.
"Our priority is clearly those we know would have been resident within Grenfell Tower, but there might have been others that were staying with family or friends. So if you do have any concerns, please contact the Casualty Bureau.
"If you have been reported missing, or reported somebody missing and they are now found safe and well, again I would reiterate, please contact the Casualty Bureau, so we know that person is safe and well.
"Thank you very much to all the community for their patience. This is going to be a long operation as I said a moment ago. Not just today and not just tonight, as we make sure the fire is completely put out, but then the recovery operation from the tower itself. It will be vitally important as we work closely with the Coroner that we locate and identify all those that have tragically died within this truly truly shocking fire.
"There are a number of reception centres that have been set up locally. There are a lot of people that have been truly affected by this fire and I would request that you, the media, please bear that in mind with the reporting and some of the imagery that I know has already gone out on social media. Thank you."
The Metropolitan Police Casualty Bureau phone number is 0800 0961 233 and police say that if If you don't get through first time, please keep trying.
NHS England (London) has also released an updated statement on Thursday morning, confirming that 74 patients have been treated in six London hospitals. 37 of them have been admitted and 17 are in critical care.
Dr Vinod Diwakar, Medical Director said: "Across London, we are continuing to respond to the tragic incident at the Grenfell tower block in Kensington. We would like to thank staff across the NHS who have been pulling out all the stops in caring for the patients affected. The commitment, professionalism and outstanding care they have shown is something to be really proud of.
"The hospitals receiving patients continue to be busier than normal and we encourage Londoners to use NHS services wisely and turn first of all to sources of advice such as NHS 111 and local pharmacies."
Latest picture shows fire nearly out. Picture: @Natalie_Oxford
Picture: @Natalie_Oxford
TfL says on Thursday morning, June 15 that certain roads in the area remain closed and customers and road users are advised to avoid the area and check before they travel.
The A40 has fully reopened in both directions but there are other local road closures, including Ladbroke Grove. Please check before you drive to the area.
The Hammersmith & City and Circle lines have now fully re-opened between Hammersmith and Edgware Road.
Check your line status or station status.
Bus services in the area will be affected until further notice. Bus routes on diversion in the area are 228, 295 and 316. London Underground are accepting bus tickets in zones 1 and 2. Others routes may be delayed.
The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.
June 15, 2017
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