London fire death toll rises to 30 with fears it will soar further

The confirmed death toll in London’s Grenfell Tower fire has risen to 30 amid fears that it will soar significantly as a large number of people are still uncounted for.

Metropolitan Police Commander Stuart Cundy said on Friday that the death toll is expected to rise as many of those injured due to the massive fire are in critical condition and many others are still missing.

"The investigation will look in into what criminal offences may have been committed," Cundy said.

As the death toll is rising pressure is mounting on British Prime Minister Theresa May over the fire. One former cabinet minister, Michael Portillo, criticized May on Friday over her refusal to visit the survivors of the fire and talk to the victims’ families.

“She wanted an entirely controlled situation in which she didn't use her humanity,” Portillo told the media.

He said the premier only met with emergency workers in order to be in an entirely controlled situation and avoid people’s emotions. 

“She should have been there with the residents. You have to be prepared to receive people's emotions, and not be so frightened about people,” he added.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William visited a west London site where community groups have gathered supplies for those affected by the tower fire disaster.

The British prime minister also faced harsh criticism from the public and the media, with many saying that the rescue efforts were not adequate.

When asked about why she did not meet residents or visit a local community center, May said she wanted to visit the scene of the incident to be briefed by the emergency services.

Speaking to LBC Radio on Wednesday, UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said that May and her government should be held into account for the tower block fire in London. 

“If you deny local authorities the funding they need, then there is a price that’s paid," the opposition leader argued.

“I believe we need to ask questions about what facilities and resources have been given to local authorities that have tower blocs in the area and, frankly, most do. We need to deal with this –we need people to be safe living in high rise buildings,” he added.

He also called for an investigation into reports that Gavin Barwell, the former housing minister who was recently appointed as the Prime Minister’s adviser, had failed to OK a fire safety review request he had received.

On Wednesday, a massive fire erupted at London’s Grenfell Tower. So far 30 people have been confirmed dead with reports saying over sixty others are missing or feared dead.

May has ordered a thorough investigation into the deadly incident.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk