The Real Story of the Netflix Documentary Grenfell: Uncovered

In the early hours of June 14, 2017, a devastating fire broke out at Grenfell Tower in London, claiming the lives of 72 people and exposing serious issues of negligence and injustice. The tragic event is now the subject of a new documentary, Grenfell: Uncovered, set to debut on Netflix on June 20. The film offers a glimpse into the lives of the victims, sheds light on the investigation process, and uncovers the corporate and government failures that contributed to the disaster.

So how did the Grenfell Tower fire start? The fire originated in Flat 16 on the fourth floor, where a resident, Behailu Kebede, noticed flames near the fridge and freezer. Despite his quick actions in calling the fire brigade, the flames quickly spread through the exterior of the building. Within 30 minutes of the firefighters’ arrival, the fire had climbed to the top floor, engulfing the entire structure.

The rapid spread of the fire was attributed to several structural and design flaws, with the exterior cladding being a critical factor. The cladding, made of aluminum composite panels with a polyethylene core, acted as fuel for the fire, while other construction materials and renovations exacerbated the spread of flames.

The failure of the building’s fire safety policy, known as “stay put,” also played a significant role that night. Despite residents being advised to remain in their flats during a fire, the situation quickly spiraled out of control, leading many to attempt desperate measures to escape.

In addition to corporate negligence, government oversight—or lack thereof—was also a contributing factor in the tragedy. The use of flammable cladding materials had been banned in other countries but remained legal in the UK due to deregulation of the construction industry and a push for cost-cutting measures.

Following the fire, a thorough public investigation was launched, resulting in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. The final report, released in 2024, highlighted failures by the government, the construction industry, and the companies responsible for the dangerous cladding. The report made 58 recommendations, including updates to building regulations.

With the official inquiry concluded, attention now turns to potential criminal cases. Authorities are currently reviewing the evidence gathered and may refer cases to the Crown Prosecution Service for further action. While the road to justice may be a long one, the hope is that those responsible for the Grenfell Tower tragedy will be held accountable.