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.
Clarrie Mendy, who lost two family members in the fire and organised the anniversary event, said: "It's a service of healing, community, inclusivity and solidarity, to know we are not alone."
Bishop of Kensington Dr Graham Tomlin said there was an atmosphere of "quiet dignity, a sombre mood in the air".
Prime Minister Theresa May wrote on Twitter that she wanted to "pay tribute" to the victims' "family, friends and loved ones for the strength and dignity they have shown".
"1 year ago at 00:54 a fire started at Grenfell Tower. Seventy-two lives were lost because of that fire and our lives were changed forever. Forever in our Hearts," citizens' group Grenfell United tweeted. The 24-storey block in North Kensington had been home to some 350 people, according to the UK authorities.
"The terrible tragedy of Grenfell Tower remains very real, raw and painful for many people, every day," Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick said.
"The continued resilience and sense of spirit shown by the community at the heart of this tragedy is inspiring," she said, adding: "Many of us will take time today, one year on, to think back and remember."
The tragedy led to a crackdown on similar buildings across the country after the cladding covering Grenfell Tower's facade was found to fall short of fire safety standards.
The anniversary came as an inquiry into the fire continued its fact-finding stage.
Member of the Justice 4 Grenfell campaign group Yvette Williams said: "We want the nation to keep Grenfell in their consciousness. "The anniversary is about love and support - the fight can start again on Friday and Saturday - and keeping that humanity going on that day."
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'Did anyone die?' asks Lamborghini driver after hitting two pedestrians in Noida, arrested
Noida (PTI): A Lamborghini hit two pedestrians on a footpath adjacent to an under-construction building in sector 94 here on Sunday, police said.
The injured, labourers from Chhattisgarh, were rushed to a nearby hospital and are said to be out of danger. They have suffered a fracture in their legs, police said.
A purported video surfaced online showing that after the accident, a man was heard asking the accused if he knew how many people died here. To this, the accused asked the locals "koi mar gaya idhar? (did anyone die here?)" and came out of the car.
Following this, someone in the video could be heard saying, "police ko bulao (call the police)".
Bhupendra Singh, In-charge at Sector 126 Police Station told PTI, "In the car accident two labourers were injured and they were from Chhattisgarh. They are out of danger and have fractures in their legs."
The accident happened adjacent to an under-construction building, he said.
"The car driver has been identified as Deepak, a resident of Ajmer and the car is registered with the Puducherry registration. He has been arrested and the car has been seized," he added.
During questioning he told the police that the accident happened due to a fault in the vehicle. Further investigation is underway, Singh said.
#WATCH | Noida, Uttar Pradesh: Two people were injured after being hit by a Lamborghini car near Sector 94 roundabout in Sector-126 police station area. The car is registered in the name of Mridul and was being driven by Deepak. The driver, Deepak, a resident of Ajmer, has been… pic.twitter.com/sJiFcqdMm7
— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2025
नोएडा: तेज रफ्तार लैम्बॉर्गिनी कार ने एमिटी यूनिवर्सिटी के पास M3M प्रोजेक्ट साइट के बाहर फुटपाथ पर बैठे मजदूरों को कुचला। pic.twitter.com/yDF4OhFs2B
— Greater Noida West (@GreaterNoidaW) March 30, 2025
