The Grenfell Tower fire of June 2017 shocked the world, leaving 72 people dead and countless others displaced and traumatised. But for Eddie Daffarn, a resident of Grenfell Tower who miraculously survived the blaze, it was a disaster that could have been avoided.
Daffarn, an activist and founder of the Grenfell Action Group, had been warning of the dangerous conditions in the London tower for years. He wrote hundreds of blog posts detailing the neglect and mismanagement of Grenfell, but it was one post written seven months before the fire that predicted the tragic event as the only way to hold those responsible accountable.
In an exclusive interview with Channel 4 News, Daffarn shares his harrowing experience of the night of the fire and his determination to seek justice for the victims and survivors.
The Tragic Neglect and Mismanagement of Grenfell Tower
Daffarn, who lived on the 16th floor of Grenfell Tower, recalls hearing his neighbor’s smoke alarm go off just after 1 am on the night of June 14th. Initially unfazed, he soon realized that something serious was happening when he saw thick, acrid smoke flooding into his flat. Following protocol, he waited for instructions from the authorities, but none came.
As Daffarn prepared to stay in his flat, a neighbor’s urgent plea to “get out” made him change his mind. Armed with only a wet towel over his face, he made his way to the emergency exit only to find it blocked by boxing done as part of an improvement project. But luck was on his side as a firefighter appeared and helped him escape.
Daffarn’s account is just one example of the chaos and terror that unfolded that night. The lack of proper fire safety measures in Grenfell Tower meant that many residents were trapped and unable to escape.
But for Daffarn, the tragedy didn’t just happen that night. It was a result of years of neglect and mismanagement by the local council and the Tenant Management Organization (TMO) responsible for maintaining the building. He describes Grenfell Tower as a diverse, socially and economically vibrant community that was constantly ignored, bullied, and marginalized.
In fact, in his blog post written seven months before the fire, Daffarn had warned that a serious fire in a tower block like Grenfell would be the only way to hold those responsible for the neglect and mismanagement accountable. Sadly, his prediction came true.
The Three-Act Tragedy of Grenfell Tower
Daffarn sees Grenfell Tower as a three-act tragedy. The first act was the pre-Grenfell period, where residents were treated with disrespect and their concerns were constantly ignored. The second act was the night of the fire itself, where residents were abandoned and left to fend for themselves while the fire raged on. And the third act is everything that has happened since – from the slow progress in finding permanent housing for survivors to the ongoing inquiry into the tragedy.
Daffarn’s account serves as a reminder that the Grenfell Tower fire was not just an isolated incident but a result of systemic failures. It highlights the need for accountability and justice for those who lost their lives and those still living with its devastating consequences.
Moving Forward: Seeking Justice for Grenfell
As the Grenfell inquiry gets underway, Daffarn hopes that it will bring about much-needed changes in fire safety regulations and hold those responsible for the neglect and mismanagement of Grenfell Tower accountable.
He also urges us to remember and honor the victims of the tragedy and to continue supporting those who survived. Shockingly, eleven months after the fire, many families are still living in hotels, struggling to rebuild their lives.
But Daffarn remains hopeful that through collective action, the Grenfell community can rebuild and become a symbol of resilience and strength. He urges us all to never forget the lessons of Grenfell and to fight for justice and safety for all.
In the words of Daffarn himself, “Grenfell was totally avoidable, if only those in charge had treated us with a modicum of respect and humanity.”
