DEVASTATING

London Tower Fire Death Toll Rises to 17

Authorities say that number is still expected to rise.

London police announced Thursday that the death toll in the devastating apartment fire that ripped through a high-rise on Wednesday has increased to 17 people and is likely to keep rising. Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton said specially trained dogs would immediately start searching the 24-story Grenfell Tower, where it is still unclear how many people remain missing. Police Commander Stuart Cundy said there was no reason yet to believe the blaze was terror-related. British Prime Minister Theresa May visited the site in west London but did not speak to the press. On Wednesday, she promised a “proper investigation” of the fire. At least 44 households were given emergency accommodation after the flames ripped through the structure, displacing hundreds of people. Families with young children and the elderly were given “immediate priority.”