Firefighters in Belfast are battling a major blaze at the historic Bank Buildings, home to a Primark store, with 'grave concerns' the structure could collapse. The fire broke out around 11:00 BST on Tuesday in the five-storey listed building on Castle Street.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Michael Graham told the BBC that the roof and some floors have already collapsed, and internal floors are expected to follow. 'We certainly can't guarantee the structural integrity of the building at this time,' he said. Police have cordoned off Royal Avenue and Castle Street, advising the public to avoid the area.
The fire is believed to have started on the fifth floor or the roof. Firefighters have run 1km of hose from the River Lagan to supply water. No injuries have been reported, and Primark confirmed the building was safely evacuated. Witnesses described a 'controlled panic' as shoppers rushed out.
The blaze is one of the largest in Belfast city centre in peacetime, with crowds gathering to watch. The Primark branch was undergoing a £30m refurbishment and extension. Firefighting operations are expected to continue into Wednesday morning.
