Why did people not get out alive? In an information vacuum the research objective a week after the tragedy focuses on the failure to save the lives of 3 adults and 3 children in one of Britain’s worst residential fires in a generation.

The unanswered question which required more research was how safe were London tower blocks in the wake of the fire. Expert opinion and off the record briefings helped assess whether the official advice to stay put was correct?

Professor Ed Galea doubts it is and sparks a London wide debate on keeping tower block residents safe. A lack of fire awareness amongst residents who didn’t know whether to stay or go created confusion about evacuation. The research established that there had been no fire drills in decades.

Research conclusion: fire safety regimes need more investigation