Fire broken out at Babel Rooftop Bar in Belfast

BREAKING NEWS

Author: Emma DicksonPublished 29th Mar 2022
Last updated 29th Mar 2022

A fire has broken out at popular Belfast spot, Babel, a rooftop bar in the city centre.

Roads around the building have been closed to traffic. The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service have released a statement asking the public to avoid the area.

"We are currently at the scene of a fire at a commercial premises on Church Lane, Belfast

"1 Fire Appliance each from Cadogan, Central and Springfield along with 2 Fire Appliances each from Whitla Fire Station and 1 aerial Appliance are in attendance."

Babel shared a message on social media confirming the news: "We can confirm a fire has broken out at the hotel.

"Thankfully all guests and staff have been evacuated safely. Huge thanks to the emergency services for such a quick response. We are currently awaiting further details."

A PSNI spokesperson says: ‘Motorists are advised that Victoria Street, Belfast city centre, is currently closed due to a fire in the area.’

Reacting to the news of a fire at the Babel rooftop bar of the Bullitt Hotel, Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster stated:

"The news of a fire at the Babel bar on the rooftop of the Bullitt Hotel is devastating news.

"We understand that the emergency services are currently dealing with the blaze. Hospitality Ulster will do all we can to support the management and staff as the situation evolves."

Translink have warned of disruption in the cental Belfast area, with delays or diversions on Metro and Glider services. For the latest traffic updates click HERE

The rooftop bar is part of the Bullitt Hotel complex at Ann Street in the city centre.

Images of the incident show a plume of smoke rising from the area, with emergency services in attendance at the blaze.

BABEL first opened in October 2017

Motorists are advised to make alternative travel arrangements and avoid the area at this time.

Emergency services were called to the scene this afternoon

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