London has again been hit by tragedy, with breaking news that a large 120-apartment building in Ladbroke Grove is well ablaze, with many residents trapped in its upper levels.
According to witnesses, residents have been seen desperately attempting to attract attention from the upper stories, with some reported to have plunged to their deaths as the enormous fire rages apparently out of control.
One witness, identified only as Jody, told BBC Radio that there are likely to be ‘tens if not hundreds’ casualties, with people plunging to their deaths in scenes ‘reminiscent of 9/11’.
Londoner Dana Ali, 30, told The Sun newspaper her parents Maria, 51, and Khalid, 61 had phoned her to say they were trapped.
“They said they’re in their living room, they’re closing all the doors, they can’t get out. They opened the main door and saw black smoke,” she said.
“They couldn’t see anything so they closed the door back. And now I’m trying to call and they’re not answering.”
Building resident George Clarke told the BBC of the scenes of horror as fire fighters tried vainly to contain the blaze.
“I’m 100 metres away and I’m absolutely covered in ash,” he continued. “It’s so heartbreaking, I’ve seen someone flashing their torches at the top level and they obviously can’t get out.”
This article originally appeared on New Idea