London Fire Brigade (LFB) has sent 20 fire engines and more than a 100 firefighters to fight a large blaze at the five-star 12 story Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Knightsbridge in central London. The LFB responded after more than 40 emergency calls from the public who were witnessing thick plumes of smoke coming from the building. The fire comes just a week after the completion of the "most extensive restoration in its 115-year history.“ The cause of the fire is yet unknown and there have been no reports of injuries, nor has anyone needed any medical attention according to London Ambulance Services spokesman.
Staff and guests were evacuated from the exclusive hotel and to Hyde Park. Singer Robbie Williams was one of the guests seen running out of the hotel. When safely in the park, staff and guests were given bottles of water.
Situation still unfolding
LFB arrived at the hotel at 3.55 PM, ambulances and the Met Police are also attending the scene. According to BBC, a hotel worker said, "The fire alarm started and everybody was told to get outside.“ The fire is believed to have started either on the roof or the upper floors at the hotel. A Tweet was posted on the hotel‘s official Twitter account, stating that the situation at the hotel was still unfolding. Updates would be given when more information would be available.
The building is located between Hyde Park and Knightsbridge shopping district. Knightsbridge has been closed between Sloane Street and Grosvenor Place, and a number of nearby buildings have also been evacuated, BBC reports. This is the second time in just one year, an enormous fire has broken out in London.
Hotel one of the most luxurious in the world
On its website, the Mandarin Oriental hotel describes itself as "one of London‘s most celebrated five-star hotels that includes an enticing mix of elegance and luxury.“ It has tight bonds with the royal family who hosted a gala dinner there before the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011 The recent extensive 18-month long was a 182 million-pound project.
The historic Edwardian-style hotel has 181 suites and number of luxury restaurants. It was opened in 1902. In 1899, a fire broke out in the building that damaged the top three floors and destroyed part of the roof. Nobody was killed or injured in that fire. In 1996, the hotel was purchased by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, an award-winning owner and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and other residents in the world.
