A JOINT inquest into the deaths of three people including Irishman Denis Murphy in the Grenfell Tower blaze has been opened and adjourned in London.
Denis Murphy, 56, whose family hail from Limerick, died with 12-year-old Biruk Haftom, 63-year-old Raymond Bernard and at least 77 others in the fire eleven weeks ago.
Relatives of the tragic trio hugged and wept as they exchanged condolences after the hearing was suspended at Westminster Coroner’s Court.
Coroner Fiona Wilcox agreed to adjourn the inquest to allow the public inquiry and criminal investigation to proceed.
Wilcox said 58 victims of the fire have been identified so far and that they had all been on the missing list following the blaze in the early hours of June 14.
At least 80 people lost their lives in total, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Mr Murphy’s remains were recovered from the 14th floor, where the Irishman was believed to have been trapped by the fire. He was identified by dental records.
Mr Bernard’s remains were recovered from his flat on the 23rd floor along with several other people living there. He too was identified by dental records.
12-year-old Biruk died along with his mother, Berkti Haftom, 29, on the 18th floor where they had lived for sometime.
Family pay tribute to 12-year-old Biruk Haftom who died in Grenfell Tower https://t.co/tYAheDeern pic.twitter.com/Aad6Nf3tnh
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) September 6, 2017
The “loving” boy was discovered in close proximity to his mother's body and was also identified by his dental records.
In a statement released by the Metropolitan Police, the Haftom family said: “Biruk was a loving, pure-hearted boy, wise beyond his years and known for his politeness, kind heart and his love for his family and friends.
“Berkti and Biruk left an everlasting legacy full of lovely memories and their contagious laughter and charisma will live in our hearts forever.
“We are deeply hurt and heartbroken our angels were taken from us so cruelly, so young. We will not rest until justice is served!”
Last week, Denis Murphy’s family from Ireland paid tribute to the 56-year-old, who they described as an “amazing, selfless and caring person”.
“The pain, loss and sorrow we feel is indescribable and we have been left devastated with a gaping hole in our hearts that can never be filled,” they said.
A preliminary hearing of the public inquiry, chaired by Sir Martin Moore-Bick, a retired judge, is set to take place next week.
The inquiry will start hearing evidence in October.
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