Grenfell Survivor's Ongoing Quest for Justice 7 Years After Tragedy
Flora Neda, who lost her husband in the Grenfell Tower fire, shares her perspective on the upcoming inquiry report. Despite the extensive investigation, she feels true justice remains elusive for the victims.
Seven years have passed since the devastating Grenfell Tower fire, yet for Flora Neda, the pain remains as fresh as ever. The 62-year-old survivor, who lost her husband Saber Neda in the tragedy, continues to grapple with grief and a persistent quest for justice.
On September 4, 2024, the public inquiry into the Grenfell fire is set to release its final report, a voluminous document expected to exceed thousands of pages. However, for Flora, this extensive investigation offers little solace. She expresses her frustration, stating, "It's not justice for us. Nobody is going to jail."
The inquiry, initiated by then-Prime Minister Theresa May just 24 hours after the fire, has been a source of contention for many survivors and bereaved families. Flora, who was in a coma at the time, recalls, "I didn't know about an inquiry. They made that decision. And when they explained it to me, I asked, what is it for?"
Flora's harrowing escape from the 23rd floor of Grenfell Tower is a testament to the chaos and terror of that fateful night. Her son, Farhad, carried her down through smoke-filled stairwells, passing others who had succumbed to the toxic fumes. Meanwhile, her husband Saber stayed behind to assist neighbors, ultimately losing his life in an act of heroism.
The former Afghan teacher is cautious about assigning blame, but she points to several factors: the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's decision to renovate the building, the fire brigade's "stay put" policy, and the companies that manufactured and sold combustible materials used in the cladding.
"Every week, I'm going to his grave. And, even when I'm going to his grave I don't accept his death. I feel he's alive. I miss him a lot. Because he wasn't only my husband, he was a really good friend for me."
The Grenfell Tower fire, which claimed 72 lives, has had far-reaching consequences. It led to increased scrutiny of building regulations and fire safety practices across the UK, sparked a national conversation about social housing and inequality, and has had lasting impacts on mental health in the local community and among survivors.
For Flora, the tragedy's toll is evident in her daily life. She takes numerous medications and continues to struggle with the physical and emotional aftermath of the fire. As the inquiry's report looms, she remains skeptical of its ability to bring true closure or justice to those affected by the Grenfell disaster.
