A landmark skyscraper in Croatia's capital, Zagreb, has been almost entirely destroyed by a massive fire. The blaze erupted near the top of the 16-floor Vjesnik tower late on Monday and quickly spread downwards.
No casualties were reported, as the building, named after a popular newspaper once published there, had been largely vacant when the inferno began. Around 100 firefighters were unable to enter the structure due to the intensity of the flames, Croatian media reported.
By Tuesday lunchtime, the fire appeared to be out, but the concrete and metal shell continued to smoulder. Zagreb mayor Tomislav Tomasevic said: 'From what I saw on site and inside the building, the damage is unfortunately total.'
Pieces of the building reportedly fell off due to the fire, which was spread through ventilation shafts. Mayor Tomasevic expressed hope that the state and other owners would start renovation of the building in its prominent location as soon as possible.
