The death toll in the massive fire that engulfed a 24-storey tower here nearly doubled to 30 on Friday amid fears that it could climb to “triple figures”, even as Scotland Yard launched a criminal investigation into the cause of one of the worst fire tragedies in the country.
The investigation team will be drawn together from detectives from across the Metropolitan Police, led by Detective Chief Inspector Matt Bonner of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, and will establish if a crime was committed before confirming what caused the tragedy.
“At this stage the Met can confirm that, following initial reports from specialist investigators and experts who have examined the flat where the fire started, there is nothing to suggest the fire was started deliberately,” Metropolitan Police Commander Stuart Cundy said.
“At least 30 fatalities have been confirmed; the bodies of 12 people have been recovered and are at a mortuary, which includes one person who has also died at hospital...The other deceased remain inside the building. Sadly, it is expected that the total will rise and it is not expected that any survivors will be found,” he said.
Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by grandson Prince William, paid a visit to the Grenfell Tower this morning where the number of missing is estimated to be around 76.
They met volunteers, local residents and community representatives while visiting Westway Sports Centre in west london, near the burnt down 24-storey Grenfell Tower.