Grenfell Tower victims 'killed by toxic gases' from burning insulation

Toxic gases released by burning insulation on the outside of the Grenfell Tower could have been a contributing factor in the deaths of 79 people, it has been revealed.

A safety expert has revealed that the insulation, which was recently fitted during a refurbishment of the 24-storey block, may have filled homes with cyanide when they caught fire.

It has also been claimed that the boards could have produced enough of the deadly gas to fill every flat – while manufacturer Celotex has confirmed that ‘toxic gases’ may have been released if it caught fire.

Kings College Hospital have also confirmed that three patients were treated with Cyanokit – the antidote used to tackle the effects of hydrogen cyanide.

Speaking to Sky News, Richard Hull, professor of chemistry and fire science at the University of Central Lancashire explained how the insulation was made from Polyisocyanurate (PIR), a form of rigid plastic foam.

He said: ‘The outside wall of the building had 150mm of PIR foam. And once the fire had spread to that every flat would have its own source of PIR foam, which would have produced enough hydrogen cyanide to kill all the people in that flat.’

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The latest claim comes after Kensington and Chelsea Council chief executive Nicholas Holgate resigned after being asked to do so by communities secretary Sajid Javid.

In a statement, he said: ‘Serving the families so desperately affected by the heartbreaking tragedy at Grenfell Tower remains the highest priority of the council.

‘Despite my wish to have continued, in very challenging circumstances, to lead on the executive responsibilities of the council, I have decided that it is better to step down from my role, once an appropriate successor has been appointed.’