Nine years after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, community members have gathered to mark the final anniversary before the building is completely demolished. The fire on June 14, 2017, claimed 72 lives after an electrical fault on the fourth floor spread to flammable cladding.
Justice Delayed
Last month, police and prosecutors announced that up to 20 companies and 57 individuals could face criminal charges, including corporate gross negligence manslaughter, fraud, and health and safety breaches. Decisions on charges are expected before the 10th anniversary. Survivor Edward Daffarn called the wait "torturous," adding, "Justice delayed is justice denied."
Memorial Events
A church service will be held Sunday afternoon, followed by a silent walk and the reading of the 72 victims' names. The public inquiry found the fire avoidable due to "decades of failure" by governments and industry. Inquiry chairman Sir Martin Moore-Bick condemned the "systematic dishonesty" of cladding manufacturers.
Grenfell United, representing the bereaved, urged solidarity for Sunday's walk, noting it is "the last anniversary with any part of Grenfell Tower remaining." Demolition began in September last year and is expected to take two years.
The government's decision to demolish was criticized by some survivors who felt excluded from the process. A permanent memorial is being planned with input from bereaved families and the local community.
An MHCLG spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with the bereaved, survivors, and all affected. We remember the 72 who lost their lives and are committed to ensuring this never happens again."
