More than 100 firefighters tackle blaze at five-star Knightsbridge hotel in London
Written by News on 06/06/2018
Around 120 firefighters and 20 fire engines have been called to a blaze at a five-star hotel in central London.
Images on social media showed huge plumes of smoke coming from the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge.
London Fire Brigade said the cause of the flames was not yet known.
It has taken more than 35 calls about the fire, which is billowing smoke that can be seen widely across the capital.
The fire brigade said it was called at 3.55pm. Crews from Chelsea, Kensington, Hammersmith, Battersea and other surrounding fire stations are at the scene.
London Ambulance Service said it had sent a “number of resources” to the scene.
A hotel spokesman said: “We are aware that there is a fire at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, and that the fire brigade is at the hotel.
“As the situation is still unfolding, we have no further details to share at this time, but will provide an update soon.”
The 12-storey Mandarin Oriental describes itself on its website as “one of London’s most celebrated five-star hotels” that “exudes an enticing mix of elegance and luxury”.
It has recently completed a multi-million pound renovation and has a number of luxury restaurants including Dinner by Heston Blumenthal.
The historic, Edwardian-style building was first opened as the Hyde Park Hotel in 1902 before it was bought by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in 1996.
According to Boutique Hotelier, the Mandarin Oriental completed a reported £185m refurbishment project last month.
Designer Joyce Wang was tasked with transforming all 181 bedrooms and public areas.
More follows…
(c) Sky News 2018: More than 100 firefighters tackle blaze at five-star Knightsbridge hotel in London
