UK names head of inquiry into London tower fire

British Prime Minister Theresa May appoints a retired judge Thursday to chair a public inquiry into the devastating west London fire that killed at least 80 people, as more high rises across the country fail fire-safety tests.

May chooses Martin Moore-Bick, a retired court of appeal judge, to head the investigation into the June 14 Grenfell Tower blaze.

“I am determined that there will be justice for all the victims of this terrible tragedy and for their families who have suffered so terribly,” May says.

Fire safety experts have expressed shock at how quickly the public housing tower block became engulfed in flames after a blaze began in a refrigerator. Attention has focused on aluminum cladding installed during recent renovations, and authorities want answers fast because thousands of other buildings are affected.

Hundreds of local government-owned buildings across Britain are being tested to see whether their cladding is fire-resistant. So far, all have failed — 137 buildings in 41 areas.

— AP