An "unprecedented" high-rise apartment fire in London, England has killed at least 17 people and injured 74 others.
At least 20 of those hurt are in critical condition, and the death toll is expected to rise.
The fire broke out just after midnight GMT and quickly turned into an inferno.
.@LFBCommissioner: "#GrenfellTower fire 'unprecedented.' Investigation will take place but too early to speculate." https://t.co/0m5atGFFIU pic.twitter.com/2GevryebXs
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) June 14, 2017
Witnesses say some residents, desperate to escape the smoke and flames jumped from upper floor balconies in the 24-storey building. One says a woman threw a baby out a high window to a man on the ground who caught the infant.
A cordon is in place around the building & approx 30 adjacent flats have been evacuated by police #NorthKensington https://t.co/QYF9V38wWJ pic.twitter.com/ugvDFswb7w— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) June 14, 2017
#NorthKensington tower block fire declared major incident, crews working hard at scene ©@Natalie_Oxford For updates:https://t.co/Gy6gUYc4ML pic.twitter.com/079acRjt7W
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) June 14, 2017
There are reports residents had complained about safety in the building, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan is responding to word some people were advised to shelter-in-place. He says Londoners will get all the answers in time.
#GrenfellTower but I bet this won't make the news tho pic.twitter.com/hjpk8lVwb0— GHOST (@HUGO_MUSLIM) June 14, 2017
Meanwhile, ordinary Londoners are reaching out to help residents of Grenfell Towers who are now homeless.
I'm going to book a few hotel rooms near #GrenfellTower. Get in touch if you have nowhere to stay and I'll try to get a roof over your head— Jim Chapman (@JimChapman) June 14, 2017
Incredible heartwarming contributions to those affected by the #GrenfellTower from strangers. Food/shelter/clothes - Amazing. pic.twitter.com/rnx0R7znqt— Angus Smart (@AngusSmart) June 14, 2017
UPDATE: We no longer need any donations thanks to everyone's incredible generosity. @Tesco are on their way with a big order! #GrenfellTower— ClementJames Centre (@ClementJames) June 14, 2017
