A hotel fire in Perth has claimed the lives of three individuals.
At approximately 5:10, 21 ambulance crews, 60 firefighters. And nine fire trucks were dispatched to the New County Hotel on County Place.
The police cordoned off the area and advised the public to avoid the area after evacuating hotel guests. And two persons from nearby apartments.
Eleven individuals were treated by the Scottish Ambulance Service at the scene.
The fire was extinguished at approximately 06:30, and the remains were subsequently recovered during a search.
Before noon, cops began loading them into a private ambulance from blue tents near the hotel.
Residents of the city-center street expressed disbelief that such a tragedy could have occurred on January 2 of the new year.
“We were awoken at 05:00 when the alarms sounded and the lights in my room began flashing,” one resident told.
“As we observed the unfolding of the event, police incident units were arriving.” The fire department and twenty-one ambulances were outside.
“It was awful to witness. It was terrifying. As soon as I saw the private ambulance, I knew what it meant. Then I realized its significance.”
According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, a dog also perished in the deadly fire.
Jason Sharp, the area’s chief fire officer
He stated that firefighters had laboriously rescued several victims from the structure before transporting them to paramedics.
Officers from Police Scotland stated that they were undertaking a joint investigation with the fire department.
Ch Supt Phil Davison added, “Our sympathies are with the family and loved ones of the deceased during this extremely terrible time for all.”
The local MSP, Deputy First Minister John Swinney, praised the work of the emergency services.
“The news of the massive fire at the New County Hotel in Perth. And the resulting loss of life has been a devastating start to the year 2023 in the city of Perth,” he stated.
“I send my heartfelt condolences to everyone who has been affected by and involved in this tragedy.
“There has been a tremendous effort by the emergency services to prevent loss of life and address the very serious fire that has broken out. And a great deal of support work has been put in place to assist those who have been affected. I’m grateful to everyone for their efforts in these extremely tragic circumstances.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon termed the incident as “tragic and appalling.”
In a tweet, she said, “My sincere condolences go out to the deceased, and my thoughts are with everyone affected.
“I am also quite grateful to the responding firefighters and our other emergency services.”
The deputy leader of Perth and Kinross Council
Councillor Eric Drysdale, told, “The loss of three persons in a terrible fire is tragic. And my heart goes out to their family and friends.
He stated that council personnel was assisting nearby locals, hotel personnel. And hotel guests, who were being cared for in another city-center hotel.
Mr. Drysdale stated that it was vital for emergency personnel to preserve the scene, even though the road closure had caused inconvenience for individuals and businesses.
He continued, “There have been three fatalities; the investigation must run its course.” I apologize to those individuals and businesses on the street who have been harmed. I do not doubt that every effort is being made to restore access as soon as possible.”
