Doctors have warned that survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire face weeks and potentially months of recovery, with psychological scars likely to outlast physical injuries. The warning came as it was confirmed that 14 people remain in London hospitals, eight of whom are in critical care.
Duncan Bew, clinical director of the major trauma centre at King's College hospital, said a number of patients are being kept unconscious to help them recover from severe smoke inhalation. "It may take weeks and months for some patients to recover physically. In terms of psychological impact, it may take longer," he said, adding that some may experience survivors' guilt.
Five victims have so far been formally identified, including Khadija Khalloufi, 52, and Syrian refugee Mohammad Alhajali, 23. The family of Omar Belkadi, who is among the dead, said his wife and six-month-old daughter remain missing. Five-year-old Isaac Shawo was also confirmed to have died.
The hospital had expected hundreds of casualties after declaring a major incident, but staff became saddened as few arrived. Bew said most of those who did arrive were conscious and suffering from smoke inhalation rather than burns. The search and recovery operation is expected to take weeks, with the Metropolitan police describing the criminal investigation as "truly, truly significant."
In the aftermath, the Queen led a minute's silence at Royal Ascot. London mayor Sadiq Khan urged the government to ensure families and survivors play a full role in the public inquiry and have legal fees met. Meanwhile, the newly elected Labour MP for Kensington, Emma Dent Coad, described the coordination of the response as "appalling," saying people were "running around like headless chickens."
