May orders inquiry amid ongoing search for London fire victims

British Prime Minister Theresa May has ordered a full inquiry into the early Wednesday fire that swept through a London apartment tower, killing 17 people. At least 74 residents suffered injuries, and 17 remain in critical condition. Firefighters are combing the still-smoking structure to look for additional victims. Officials warn the death toll certainly will rise, although they don’t yet know how many people are missing. Structural engineers are working with firefighters to shore up the building so floor-by-floor searches can continue. Fire officials say the pace at which the fire spread through the 120 apartments was unprecedented. Investigators plan to look first at the materials used in a recent renovation to make sure they met fire safety standards. A tenants group complained for years about fire risks. Families and friends waiting for news of loved ones have gathered at a nearby church, St. Clement’s Notting Dale, where parishioners are serving meals to survivors.

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