13 Mar 2015

Battersea Arts Centre fire: video and pictures

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.

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.”

Here is the live Video of the fire which seems to be in Battersea London SW1, hope all is well, the flames and the smoke seems to be high up in the sky. #Tragedy #BatterSea #London #Fire #Flames #Smoke #Tragedy #Worried

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:

The venue is hugely popular with locals, and hosts weddings and tea dances for the elderlys as well as plays and performances.

Battersea Arts Centre fire
Battersea Arts Centre fire