Grenfell residents: ‘We can smell it, the fire took them in seconds…’

By Jacob Phillips, Local Democracy Reporter
news@slpmedia.co.uk

Residents say they can still smell the Grenfell Tower fire as they face the fifth anniversary of the tragedy.

Samia Badani and Naima Kahin are two of about 11,000 people who’ve suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder or mental health issues as a result of witnessing the fire that killed 72 people.

The mental health crisis caused by the Grenfell Tower fire has been a serious concern for nearby residents, and a campaigner tragically killed herself in December 2018.

Amanda Beckles, 51, lived 300 metres from the Grenfell Tower and displayed symptoms of PTSD.

In a note found at her property she wrote: “I had hoped the worst would be over but 17 months after I still suffer from acute anxiety.

“I really don’t know why it has affected me so badly but it isn’t a life worth living.”

Naima Kahin lives in a flat facing Grenfell Tower.

On the night of the fire, the flames were visible from her bedroom, bathroom and living room. Just seeing the tower now can be a painful experience.

The North Kensington resident can’t even look up at the skyline near her home as seeing the tower can be so painful.

She said: “We can smell it. We saw people banging on the windows and the smoke took them.

“The fire took them in a second.

“We don’t open our curtains because we face the tower. It hurts. We try not to look up [when walking outside].

We saw everything that day. We are surviving. We are managing. When it comes to the anniversary it is like we are back at it.”

On hearing there was a fire in the area one evening, she rushed out of the shower in just a towel and grabbed her children to ensure they were safe.

Samia, who lives in Bramley House in the shadow of Grenfell Tower, has experienced flashbacks of the fire and the days after when many distressed relatives put up posters in a bid to try and find out what happened to their loved ones.

She said: “People think after five years it has got better. It doesn’t get better. There is nowhere for us to go and be at peace and reflect.

“The tower standing is unfinished business. We really underestimate the trauma people have gone through.”

If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operates a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Or email Jo@samaritans.org if you’d prefer to write down how you feel.