Grenfell Tower: The Screams Will Live With Me Forever - Firefighter Who Battled His Way To The 15th Floor

A firefighter who charged up to the 15th floor of Grenfell Tower said it was the first time he was ever 'scared' on a job.

Leon Whitley, 34, was one of the first on the scene after arriving at the West London site at 1.45am.

He courageously fought his way up the burning tower, despite fears that it could collapse at any time.


'I usually walk into fires very cautious but not scared. That was the first time I was scared,' he told The Sun.

'The screams were horrifying because you knew everyone needed help but you couldn't see them.'
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Comparing the catastrophe to 9/11 in America, he said it was the thought of his own son in danger that gave him the courage to save others.

Although the current death toll stands at 30, Mr Whitley has told media he fears the final number could rise above 100.

Soon after the fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday, the upper floors of Grenfell Tower quickly became inaccessible.

Search and rescue teams reached the roof of the tower yesterday, after more than two days.

The Met Police added that the building remains in a hazardous state and it will take time for a full search to find those who have perished.

Large areas have not been checked and even now small fires are continuing to break out.

The bodies of 12 victims have been transported to a mortuary but an unknown number remain trapped in the tower.

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