07/18/2018 - Initial Expert Witness Reports Published for Grenfell Tower Inquiry


The first expert witness reports have been published this summer, marking the start of the next phase of the inquiry into the fire at Grenfell Tower.

These reports look at how and where the fire started. They include studies into: how the fire spread and examining the contribution of the recently installed cladding and insulation to the spread of the fire; the safety provisions in place at the time of the disaster and
the building's own fire protection measures.

Several other issues were highlighted in the reports, such as a "number of non-compliances" in relation to fire safety. Primary points from the reports include:

72 people were killed in the fire
Combustibles and gaps around windows have been identified as a contributing factor in enabling the spread of the fire
The cladding system did not comply with building regulations
When the fire was first reported at 00:54 BST, residents were initially given advice to "stay put" inside the building. However, the speed of the fire spread led to the "total failure of stay-put policy."

Further expert witness reports will be produced and published on the Inquiry website, once they have been presented at hearings.

Grenfell Tower witness statements can be seen at https://www.grenfelltowerinquiry.org.uk/hearings?witnesses%5B5%5D=5 (Some reports may be upsetting or distressing)

https://www.grenfelltowerinquiry.org.uk/

https://www.grenfelltowerinquiry.org.uk/evidence