London fire as it happened: 12 residents confirmed dead and more fatalities expected after day of horror
Witnesses describe 'terrifying' scenes
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A huge fire has engulfed a large block of flats in London, killing at least a dozen people.
Hundreds of firefighters were sent to 24-storey Grenfell Tower in north Kensington, as large plumes of smoke billowed above the capital after the blaze broke out in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Witnesses spoke of "terrifying" scenes, with some residents suggesting they heard no alarm go off when the fire began. At least 75 people are being treated at six hospitals across the capital.
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Residents were evacuated in the early hours of this morning, many only wearing their pyjamas. Donations of clothing and toiletries requested
#GrenfellTower fire: Concerned about a loved one? Call Casualty Bureau: 0800 0961 233. If you don’t get through 1st time - keep trying
Sikh Gurudwaras in London have started collecting and distributing spare clothes, toys, toiletries for… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…
An update on casualties from the London Ambulance Service
Director of operations Paul Woodrow said: “Following this morning’s fire at Grenfell Tower, West London, we have treated and taken 64 patients to six hospitals across London, where 20 people are currently in critical care. Our thoughts are with everyone affected.
“Over 100 of our medics have been working hard to respond to this incident, including ambulance crews, advanced paramedics, advanced trauma teams from London's Air Ambulance and those staff managing the incident in our special operations centre.
“Our hazardous area response teams are also on scene, who carry specialist equipment including breathing apparatus. We’ve been treating patients for a range of injuries, as well as for smoke inhalation.
“A major incident has been declared and we continue to work closely with other members of the emergency services at the scene.
“Members of the public who are concerned about friends and relatives should contact the police Casualty Bureau on 0800 096 1233.
“We urge Londoners to only call us in a genuine emergency and to call NHS 111 for urgent healthcare advice.”
People only have their pyjamas Need spare clothes, toys, toiletries - all ages: St Clements Church95 Sirdar RdW… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…
Key info for those affected by the fire at #GrenfellTower It’s really important we account for all those in the bui… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…
Emergency services are responding to the large fire at Grenfell Tower in London. twitter.com/i/moments/8748…
A funding page has been set up to support the families affected by the #GrenfellTower fire youcaring.com/familieswhoveb…
extraordinary pic of fire investigator on burned out floor of Grenfell Tower (Rick Findler/PA) https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DCRxV7NWsAA90Hc.jpg
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