As of: 08/29/2021 10:49 p.m.
A 20-story skyscraper has gone up in flames in Milan. The fire brigade was able to bring the fire under control. The authorities are confident that all residents were able to flee in time.
A 20-storey residential building in Milan was destroyed in a major fire. According to the fire department, the flames broke out in the late afternoon on the upper floors of the building on the southern outskirts. The fire then moved down, the fire department said on Twitter.
The fire brigade was in action with dozens of fire engines. Hours after the outbreak, the emergency services reported that the fire was under control.
20 people suffered light smoke inhalation
Around 20 people came out of the skyscraper on the outskirts of Milan without any problems, said the mayor of the Italian metropolis, Beppe Sala, according to the Ansa news agency.
Firemen went from apartment to apartment and smashed the doors to make sure no one was in, Sala told the Corriere della Sera newspaper. However, the authorities are confident that residents will be able to escape the flames in time. There have been no reports of victims so far. According to the newspaper, around 20 tenants suffered light smoke inhalation.
Panels melted away
Pictures showed how the facade of the entire house is shrouded in thick black smoke. “We smelled smoke and fled immediately,” said one resident, according to Ansa. Another eyewitness said that panels on the walls had melted “like butter”.