Authorities are still working to establish the exact cause of the incident, but early reports suggest that the fatalities occurred as a result of an explosion, though this has not been officially confirmed. The Whitgift Centre, a major shopping and retail complex in the heart of Croydon, was packed with shoppers when the disaster struck.
The London Metropolitan Police have cordoned off the area, and a major investigation is underway. Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud bangs and seeing plumes of smoke billowing from the building just before emergency services arrived. Many individuals remain trapped inside, and the search and rescue operation continues.
