The inquiry into last year’s Grenfell fire disaster has opened with heart-rending testimony from survivors, friends and family of those who died.
ADVERTISEMENTThe inquiry into last year’s Grenfell fire disaster has opened with heart-rending testimony from survivors, friends and family of those who died.
It began with a moment of silence.
The fire shocked Britain and led to questions over whether poor quality social housing and neglect had played a part.
Marcio Gomes escaped with his pregnant wife and two daughters. But his son was stillborn in hospital hours later.
The lawyer for the family of Afghan immigrant Mohamed Saber Neda read out a statement on behalf of his son, Farhad.
''My dad loved life and loved meeting people. He would get along with almost everyone, no matter what age, colour, sex or religion they were. He would treat everyone the way he wanted to be treated himself. With respect. And for this reason he was loved by so many."
His brother, Aref, said he stayed behind to help others escape.
"The only thing I know is that my brother was a hero. He gave up his life for his family and for others. He sacrificed himself in that fire in order to put others first. That is just the brave and selfless person that he was and that is the memory of him that I will hold in my heart for as long as I live."
A recording was then played of his final phone call.
"Goodbye. We are now leaving this world, goodbye to all,’’ Neda said in the call
The hearing is expected to last several months