Grenfell survivor still has panic attacks six years on from deadly fire

A woman who survived the Grenfell Tower disaster says she still suffers from panic attacks, six years on from the tragic event.

The fire was started by a refrigerator on June 14 2017, and quickly engulfed the 24-storey building due to highly flammable cladding.

It burned for more than 24 hours until 250 firefighters put it out, killing 72 people.

Emma O’Connor escaped with her partner Luke from their 20th-floor flat in the early hours of the morning.

“We left our 20th floor flat at 1.19am and managed to get down in the lift at 1.21am,” the 34-year-old told LondonWorld.

“My partner dragged me away to my Mum’s place half an hour after we escaped as I was in shock.”

Many of Emma’s neighbours died due to obeying a now controversial “stay put” fire policy, which said residents should stay in their flats in the case of a fire.

More than 220 people managed to escape the deadly inferno.

The couple had lived in the tower for five years and then moved in with family for a short while immediately after the fire.

Emma says she still suffers from post traumatic stress disorder and battles with survivors guilt, six years on.

“Coming up to the anniversary I often have moments where I wonder ‘why did I survive?’” she said.

“My PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is still as strong.”

The couple are currently living in a flat in West Kensington near three fire stations, a situation which triggers her PTSD.

Emma says she checks the monitors where the fire engines go, such is her fear of being caught in another fire.

She said: “My life has changed a lot since the fire. I can’t go out without being terrified of having another panic attack.

“I now live beside three fire stations and I can hear them leaving the station and I follow which direction they go.

“We were forced into accepting this place and made to feel ungrateful if we said no.

“It’s taken four years for us to be put back on the housing list, we’re just not being prioritised.”

A Kensington and Chelsea spokesperson said: “We recognise the challenges that bereaved and survivors face as they look to the future and we have recently agreed a new  Settled Homes Policy, providing additional support to those who are struggling to settle or who have a had a change in family circumstances.

“We have had 51 applications for a second move and we are committed to helping former residents of Grenfell Tower and Grenfell Walk find a home that feels like a home for life.”

Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, said:  “Six years on, the Grenfell tragedy remains etched into the memories of people in our communities and Londoners right across the capital. The Council’s commitment, and my own commitment, to survivors, the bereaved and local residents is unwavering.

“Our thoughts are always with the people who lost their lives, their loved ones and their homes and we continue to be inspired by the courage shown by the families  in their search for justice, and for change.

“We will keep listening, keep improving, and keep supporting local people as we meet the challenge the bereaved and survivors have set us – to become the best Council, as a real legacy from the tragedy.”