iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
Starmer faces an investigation after 'neglecting to disclose' that Labour donor Alli covered the cost of a personal shopper, clothes and alterations
KT APPDOWNLOAD
100 firefighters tackle blaze at historic London art centre
The fire service said two 32-metre ladders had been sent to the scene to support firefighting operations
Photo: Reuters
Around 100 firefighters tackled a large blaze at London's historic Somerset House cultural centre on Saturday, with flames leaping out from underneath its roof.
"Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have now been sent in response to the fire at Somerset House. Crews are tackling a fire located in part of the building's roof," the London Fire Brigade posted on X, formerly Twitter.
The official X account of the Renaissance building, which opened in 1796, said that "owing to a fire in one small part of Somerset House, the site is currently closed."
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
It added that "all staff and public are safe."
Other footage taken from central London showed thick plumes of smoke rising above the building, which stretches for around 180 metres along the banks of the River Thames.
The courtyard of the grand building hosts music gigs in the summer and a popular ice rink in the winter, appearing in the 2003 film "Love Actually".
It has also appeared in two James Bond films, the 2008 movie "The Duchess", starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes, and Tim Burton's 1999 horror movie "Sleepy Hollow".
The fire service said two 32-metre ladders had been sent to the scene to support firefighting operations.
"The entire site at Somerset House is now closed to the public whilst we tackle the fire. Traffic in the surrounding area will be impacted as crews respond," it added.
ALSO READ:
More news from World
China says Manila's actions infringe on its sovereignty
In the Czech Republic, a quarter of a million homes were without power due to high winds and rain
US-educated Jaafar Hassan, now head of King Abdullah's office and a former planning minister, is expected to replace Khasawneh
The group called on RSF and SAF to take action against 'perpetrators of war crimes and violations of international law, including international humanitarian law'
Loud booms were also heard in the region, which the military said came from missile interceptors that had been launched
The blast occurred as the victims were trying to retrieve fuel that was leaking from the truck
MWL Secretary General stressed the need for unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians by opening all crossings