Grenfell Inquiry Sheds Light on Systemic Failures

A public inquiry into the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London concluded that decades of governmental and industrial failures led to the tragedy that killed 72 people. The report criticizes government bodies, local councils, construction contractors, and manufacturers for negligence, dishonesty, and prioritizing profits over safety.

A public inquiry into the devastating 2017 London Grenfell Tower blaze concluded on Wednesday that a 'culmination of decades of failure' by the government and the construction industry ultimately led to the disaster that killed 72 people. The report detailed how the government, council, architects, contractors, local council, and management firms involved in refitting the exterior with flammable cladding bear much of the blame for what happened.

The report said the government, led by former Prime Minister Theresa May at the time, had 'many opportunities' over the years to identify the risks posed by combustible cladding and insulation in high-rise buildings. However, it ignored numerous warnings and failed to act, even after a 2009 blaze at Lakanal House.

Furthermore, the wealthy Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) failed to scrutinize the design or choice of materials in the Grenfell renovation. Elizabeth Campbell, leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, apologized and accepted the findings, acknowledging that 'profits were put before people.'

The Tenant Management Organisation and RBKC were jointly responsible for overseeing fire safety, and their cost-cutting measures contributed to the disaster. The report also criticized several firms for 'systematic dishonesty' and manipulating testing processes, making the building's cladding a major fire hazard. Despite the findings, implicated companies like Arconic, Celotex, and Kingspan defended their actions.

Lastly, the report accused the London Fire Brigade of failing to prepare adequately for high-rise fires despite previous incidents. Other bodies like the Building Research Establishment and the National House Building Council were also named for their roles in enabling unsafe construction practices.

(With inputs from agencies.)