Grenfell tragedy: Minute’s silence marks 1st anniversary

London, June 14: Buildings across the United Kingdom capital were illuminated overnight and a national minute’s silence was observed on Thursday in memory of the victims of devastating Grenfell Tower fire that swept through the 24-floor residential apartment block in West London exactly one year ago. Grenfell Tower itself and other sites, including the Prime Minister’s official residence at Downing Street and the London Eye, were lit up green overnight. Besides claiming the lives of 72 people, the blaze destroyed family homes when it swiftly gutted the tower block in the early hours of June 14, 2017.

The names of the 72 people who died in the blaze were read out at a memorial service in west London. Speaking at the service, Labour MP David Lammy said it was a “bittersweet” moment as the community celebrated their unity but mourned those lost. A vigil took place at a church near the block, the BBC reported. (IANS)