Menu

Wide Angle

Grenfell fire inquiry : Police say that they may consider corporate manslaughter charges

Police say they may consider corporate manslaughter charges as detectives conduct an investigation on the Grenfell fire. The tragedy killed 72 people, including several Moroccan nationals.

The Grenfell tower in London after the 2017 deadly blaze./Ph. DR
Estimated read time: 2'

Detectives investigating the Grenfell Tower fire, which killed 72 people including Morocco nationals, said they are conducting «three interviews with caution» with the possibility of considering offences, including manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter and breaches of the Health and Safety Acts, reports the Independent.

No arrests have been made in connection with the fire but two investigations are underway to determine the ones responsible for the tragedy, including a public inquiry that has been initiated by British Prime Minister Theresa May last year.

In a statement released by the police, the same source indicated that «over the past year, police and experts have worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the physical examination of Grenfell Tower have been completed to the highest possible standards».

The investigation is almost completed and is expected to reach an end by August, added the same communiqué.

Rehousing the victims

While the police’s investigation is taking place, new elements related to the fire have been revealed. More than one year after the tragedy, British Minister of state for policing and fire service declared Wednesday, 18th of July, that «mistakes have been made», when rehousing victims affected by the blaze.

«Yes, mistakes have been made by all of us, but I think I have been watching human beings at work, being asked to perform roles that they are not used to under very difficult circumstances», argued Nick Hurd, as reported by the Independent in a different article.

The minister’ statement comes as he was heavily criticized by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee for failing to secure «engagement between the authorities and survivors of the tragedy».

It was revealed last month that 72 families were still housed in emergency accommodation despite the fact that the government has spent millions to buy the Grenfell victims homes, reports the same source.

The committee has questioned the «lack of progress» on providing new homes for the survivors. Responding to the accusations, the official said that he does not «accept the charge of institutional incompetence or indifference».

Be the first one to comment on our articles...