A public inquiry into the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire has concluded that the disaster, which resulted in the deaths of 72 people, was primarily due to failings by the government, the construction industry, and particularly the firms responsible for installing flammable cladding on the building.
The inquiry, led by Martin Moore-Bick, highlighted that the fire, which broke out in the early hours of June 14, 2017, was the deadliest residential blaze in the UK since World War II.
Moore-Bick stated, "The simple truth is that the deaths that occurred were all avoidable," emphasizing the need for accountability among those involved in the tower's maintenance and refurbishment.The inquiry's extensive report, spanning nearly 1,700 pages, identified a "culmination of decades of failure" in fire safety regulations and practices.
It criticized various parties, including the local authority of Kensington and Chelsea, regulatory bodies, and the fire brigade, for their inaction and negligence regarding fire safety in high-rise buildings.
The report specifically pointed to the architect Studio E, principal contractor Rydon, and cladding subcontractor Harley as bearing significant responsibility for the tragedy. Additionally, it condemned companies like Arconic, Kingspan, and Celotex for their "systematic dishonesty" in marketing combustible materials as safe.
In response to the findings, Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed regret on behalf of the British state, acknowledging that the victims and their families had been failed. He stated, "It should never have happened," and called for the inquiry's conclusions to lead to justice for those affected.
While British police are investigating 58 individuals and 19 firms for potential criminal charges, including corporate manslaughter, any prosecutions may take years due to the complexity of the case. The inquiry has reignited discussions about building safety standards and the treatment of low-income communities, as many victims were from working-class backgrounds living in a public housing block situated in one of London's wealthiest areas.
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