The Story ‘There was a white light. I looked around and saw bodies’: looking back at 7/7
Jul 6, 2025
Fiona Hamilton, Chief Reporter at The Times, dives deep into the haunting memories of the 7/7 London bombings, alongside survivor Thelma Stober and former police officer David Skiffins. The trio reflects on the heart-wrenching chaos of that fateful day and its profound impact on their lives. They explore the emotional and psychological toll faced by survivors, the evolution of terrorism since then, and the power of resilience in overcoming trauma. It’s a poignant conversation about survival and the enduring scars left by tragedy.
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Thelma Stober's Survival Story
- Thelma Stober survived the 7/7 bombing severely injured under a train, with no pain despite profuse bleeding.
- She was kept conscious by a fellow passenger and the British Transport Police officer who went to her aid immediately.
David Skiffins' Tunnel Duty
- David Skiffins spent nearly three weeks in the Russell Square tunnel recovering victims and evidence.
- He describes treating the deceased with great respect, feeling they became like family during the painstaking process.
Emergency Response Failures Persist
- The 7/7 inquests revealed severe communication failures among emergency services in the response.
- Despite lessons from 7/7, the Manchester Arena attack showed similar mistakes were repeated years later.