German City Evacuates Tower Block Over Insulation Worry After London Fire

Germany / Grenfell tower
Holger Battefeld/AP

BERLIN (AP) — A western German city decided Tuesday to evacuate an 11-story apartment block because of concerns over exterior insulation similar to that of London’s Grenfell Tower.

City authorities in Wuppertal said the fire risk at the building had been reassessed following the fire in London that killed at least 79 people, news agency dpa reported.

It said replacement accommodation is available for the residents and they can return to their apartments once the insulation is removed. In all, 72 people are believed to be affected.

City officials couldn’t immediately be reached for further details.

Aluminum composite panels used as exterior cladding are believed to have rapidly spread the fire in London on June 14, trapping residents in their homes before firefighters could save them.

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