Emergency Services Respond to Belfast Hotel Explosion
Police, paramedics, and firefighters swarmed Belfast city centre on Wednesday afternoon following reports of an explosion at the AC Marriott hotel in City Quays. The incident, which occurred shortly before 1pm, prompted a significant emergency response involving multiple agencies.
Two Staff Members Hospitalised
The hotel confirmed that two members of staff were taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast by ambulance after sustaining injuries. A spokesperson for AC Marriott Belfast said: "We can confirm that two members of staff have been taken to hospital following an accident in the hotel's kitchen this afternoon. Our immediate thoughts are with our colleagues, and we are providing support to those affected."
Kitchen Accident Ruled Out Gas Explosion
Initial reports suggested a gas explosion, but the hotel later clarified that the incident was an accident in the kitchen. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) stated they received reports of a gas explosion at 12:58pm. Firefighters assisted two casualties with first aid and transferred them to the care of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS).
Large Emergency Crew Deployment
Four fire appliances, an aerial appliance, two emergency ambulances, two paramedics, and a Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) attended the scene. NIFRS confirmed that appliances from Westland, Whitla, Knock, Central, and Springfield fire stations were involved. Firefighters left the scene at 1:41pm.
Investigation Underway
The hotel stated that a full investigation into the incident is already underway, and they are working closely with emergency services. An NIAS spokesperson said: "The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 12:51 on Wednesday, 8th July, following reports of an incident on the Donegall Quay area, Belfast. Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, two patients were taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast by Ambulance."
