Emergency shelter set up in gym
The fire broke out around 5 a.m. Part of the building caught fire for a short time. As eyewitnesses reported, the flames are said to have struck meters high from the building.
According to the police, hundreds of people had to be brought to safety, including many children. They are initially accommodated in the gymnasium of a neighboring school and are looked after by emergency counselors and a crisis intervention team. The German Red Cross (DRK) organizes the supply of water, blankets and baby food.
245 people reported in accommodation
According to the district office, 245 people are registered in the refugee accommodation. They should first be brought to Hermsdorf by bus. The residents are people from different countries. They came from Ukraine, Syria and Afghanistan, among others.
The affected residents are to be brought to Hermsdorf by bus on Sunday. There they are to be accommodated temporarily in the initial reception for refugees, according to the spokeswoman. The buses would be escorted by the police. Interpreters should also go to Hermsdorf.
Cause of fire still unclear
The building is no longer habitable. The cause of the fire is still unclear. The police has started investigation.