A major fire in a multi-storey building in Australia’s metropolis of Sydney has employed more than 120 firefighters for hours. Parts of the house collapsed. The fire brigade brought several people to safety.
A huge fire has destroyed a multi-storey building in the center of the Australian metropolis Sydney. The fire broke out in the afternoon from a previously unexplained cause in the Surry Hills district near the main train station, the fire department said.
According to initial findings, there were no injuries. More than 120 emergency services and around 30 vehicles were therefore in action. The flames are now under control.
The seven-storey building partially collapsed in the course of the fire. Videos from local media showed the roof collapsing and part of the facade crashing down. The fire department itself spoke of an “inferno”.
The building in central Sydney was engulfed in flames.
Adjacent buildings evacuated
According to media reports, the former factory near Elizabeth Street was empty but was used as a shelter by the homeless. More than 50 people were evacuated from the building, according to broadcaster 9News Sydney. Adjacent houses were also evacuated for fear of spreading flames. At least one parked car was also caught in the fire.
Thick plumes of black smoke could be seen across the city. Numerous roads in the area were therefore closed. Sydney residents were asked to avoid the scene of the fire near the main train station.