A major fire breaks out at Battersea Arts Centre, engulfing the Victorian building in flames. See video and pictures of the blaze at the beloved institution.
Firefighters were called to the scene at 4:15pm after the venue’s Grand Hall went up in flames. Battersea Arts Centre later tweeted that everyone was safely out of the building.
Thank you to everyone for the kind words & well wishes. Everyone is out. Everyone is safe. 1/2
— BatterseaArtsCentre (@battersea_arts) March 13, 2015
Comedian Paul Foxcroft, who saw the blaze, said: “The first thing I saw when I came out of my house were several fire engines hurtling past, then I saw grey smoke in the sky.
“Crowds had started to gather. There were two ladies outside with tears in their eyes. I heard one saying ‘Please save it’ as more firemen arrived.
“It is an institution, not just for Battersea, but for the whole of the city of London. It is hugely popular so this fire will affect a lot of people. The back of the building was under renovation.”
A video posted by Ù?ØÙ?د جابرخاÙ? (@mo_jabirkhan) on Mar 13, 2015 at 9:42am PDT
Around 80 officers and 12 fire engines attended the blaze. People were reported to be in tears as the tower on top of the building collapsed.
There was an outpouring of dismay on Twitter from fans of the theatre:
So sad. :( @LondonFire fighting bravely to save @battersea_arts. Everyone is out safely. #batterseaartscentre #bac pic.twitter.com/pTw6BnLzkf
— Dan Price (@danprice_pfldn) March 13, 2015
Heartbroken to see @battersea_arts engulfed in flames. Such a wonderful place. Orpheus was one of the most magical shows I’ve ever seen
— Tom Copley (@tomcopley) March 13, 2015
Devastated to hear Battersea Arts Centre is on fire. Love that building so much
— Louise Allen-Jones (@LouAllenJones) March 13, 2015
Battersea Arts Centre is such an important organisation, venue and space. Tragic to see this happen to such a wonderful place.
— David Shearing (@davidshearing) March 13, 2015
The venue is hugely popular with locals, and hosts weddings and tea dances for the elderlys as well as plays and performances.