Calls from those in Grenfell Tower on the night of the blaze show institutional failings according to a lawyer in an inquiry.
Leslie Thomas QC, lawyer for residents and families of those who died in the Grenfell Tower tragedy, told the inquiry that control room operators failed to gather ‘basic’ information about callers such as vulnerabilities which would affect their evacuation.
The El-Wahabi family were told to remain in their flat even when they could see flames next door. Thomas says ‘in their final calls, the desperation and their fear is tangible; the response of the operator is blunt and callous’. This was evidence
Mr Thomas spoke about Antony Disson who made at least six 999 calls begging for help.
Martin Seawood, lawyers for Fire Brigades Union said ‘the shortcomings of the control room in the night were largely due to systemic failings.. but did their best in difficult circumstances’.
Stephen Walsh QC, the London Fire Commissioner council have promised a ‘genuine and pressing commitment to learn hard lessons in the interest of public safety’. He said work is being reviewed including the delivery of fire safety regulation training programmes to every firefighter.
The inquiry resumes on Monday at 10am.
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HeadlineGrenfell 999 calls show fire service failings
Short HeadlineGrenfell residents emergency calls demonstrate failings by fire service
StandfirstLawyer says emergency calls from Grenfell residents show failings of fire service.
Calls from those in Grenfell Tower on the night of the blaze show institutional failings according to a lawyer in an inquiry.
Leslie Thomas QC, lawyer for residents and families of those who died in the Grenfell Tower tragedy, told the inquiry that control room operators failed to gather ‘basic’ information about callers such as vulnerabilities which would affect their evacuation.
The El-Wahabi family were told to remain in their flat even when they could see flames next door. Thomas says ‘in their final calls, the desperation and their fear is tangible; the response of the operator is blunt and callous’. This was evidence
Mr Thomas spoke about Antony Disson who made at least six 999 calls begging for help.
Martin Seawood, lawyers for Fire Brigades Union said ‘the shortcomings of the control room in the night were largely due to systemic failings.. but did their best in difficult circumstances’.
Stephen Walsh QC, the London Fire Commissioner council have promised a ‘genuine and pressing commitment to learn hard lessons in the interest of public safety’. He said work is being reviewed including the delivery of fire safety regulation training programmes to every firefighter.
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