London Fire: Huge blaze engulfs Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, rescue operations underway

London Fire: Grenfell tower engulfs in massive blaze, 50 injured, London Ambulance service confirms fatalities

A massive fire engulfed Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London, UK in the early hours of Wednesday. Nearly 200 firefighters and 40 fire engines have been deployed to tackle the blaze in Grenfell Tower, which has 120 flats. Various emergency services and other agencies are carrying out rescue operations.

The reason of the fire in the 27-storey tower however still remains unknown. London Ambulance Service said that more than 50 people have been rushed to five hospitals around the capital and 100 medics are operating on them. Further, London fire commissioner has said that some fatalities have been confirmed, although the number remains unknown.

London Fire: Grenfell tower engulfs in massive blaze, 50 injured, London Ambulance service confirms fatalities

London Metropolitan police has claimed that extensive cordons are in place and nearby residents have also been evacuated as a  precaution. Emergency numbers have also been set up and people searching for their loved ones can call on Casualty Bureau 0800 0961 233 or 0207 158 0197.

London Fire: Grenfell tower engulfs in massive blaze, 50 injured, London Ambulance service confirms fatalities

Situated close to Notting Hill, the tower block is around a five-minute walk from the Latimer Road Underground station and near the Westfield shopping centre in the west London suburbs. Sources claim that those present at the scene reported falling of debris, loud explosions and shattering of glass. 

London Fire: Grenfell tower engulfs in massive blaze, 50 injured, London Ambulance service confirms fatalities

The London Fire Brigade said on Twitter that the fire spread from 2nd to top floor of the 27 storey building the fire service said on Twitter. Further, buses serving on the Routes 23, 52, 70, 228, 295, 316 and 452 have been diverted due to the building fire. 

London Fire: Grenfell tower engulfs in massive blaze, 50 injured, London Ambulance service confirms fatalities

The 24-story Grenfell Tower was built in the 1970s and recently subject to a $10.9 million redevelopment, according to property firm Rydon. In 2016, residents organisation Grenfell Action Group had claimed that the tower was suffering from serious safety issues