Grenfell Tower: 72 Deaths, 9 Years On, Criminal Charges Pending

Nine years after the Grenfell Tower fire killed 72 people in June 2017, police and prosecutors announced last month that up to 20 companies and 57 individuals could face criminal charges. Decisions on whether to bring charges will be made before next year’s 10th anniversary. Survivors and bereaved families gathered this weekend for the final anniversary walk before the tower is demolished, demanding accountability for what a public inquiry found was an avoidable disaster.

What the Public Inquiry Found

A public inquiry concluded in 2024 that the fire was avoidable and preceded by decades of failure by governments and the building industry. The inquiry found that victims, the bereaved, and survivors were badly failed through incompetence, dishonesty, and greed. The tower was covered in combustible products because of the systematic dishonesty of firms that made and sold the cladding and insulation. Inquiry chairman Sir Martin Moore-Bick condemned the deliberate and sustained manipulation of fire safety testing and misrepresentation of test data.

Criminal Charges Under Consideration

Prosecutors are weighing potential offences including corporate gross negligence manslaughter, fraud, health and safety breaches, and misconduct in public office. The Metropolitan Police said decisions on charges will be made before the 10th anniversary next year. Survivor Edward Daffarn said the update was encouraging, but the continued wait for justice remains tortuous.

Survivors Demand Accountability

On Sunday evening, the annual silent walk took place in west London, followed by the reading of the names of the 72 dead and speeches by campaigners. Daffarn told the Press Association that it is absolutely essential that people and companies are held to account. He said the timeline for criminal prosecutions offers a chance for justice, though delays in justice remain a concern for victims’ families.

Tower Demolition and Legacy

The Grenfell Tower will be completely demolished after this final anniversary. The 2017 fire sparked global scrutiny of flammable materials used on high-rise buildings and led to major changes in building safety regulations. The inquiry’s findings exposed systemic failures across the construction industry and government oversight that allowed dangerous materials to be used in residential buildings.

Final Thoughts

Nine years after Grenfell, criminal charges against companies and individuals remain pending. The public inquiry confirmed the fire was avoidable and caused by systemic dishonesty. Survivors and families now await charging decisions before the 10th anniversary next year.

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