A major fire has destroyed a busy nightclub in Birmingham's city centre.
A major fire has destroyed a busy nightclub in Birmingham's city centre.
Five hundred people had to be led to safety as the blaze took hold in the early hours at Edward's No.8 club.
Five hundred people had to be led to safety as the blaze took hold in the early hours at Edward's No.8 club.
Ten people were treated for minor injuries but firefighters, who praised the nightclub staff for their actions, believe all inside the club escaped.
Ten people were treated for minor injuries but firefighters, who praised nightclub staff for their actions, believe all inside the club escaped.
Up to 50 firefighters tackled the blaze and prevented the flames spreading to nearby apartment blocks. Structural tests will be carried out later.
Up to 50 firefighters tackled the blaze and prevented flames spreading to nearby apartment blocks. Structural tests will be carried out later.
About 25 firefighters remained at the scene in Lower Severn Street on Sunday.
About 25 firefighters remained at the scene in Lower Severn Street on Sunday.
Building evacuated
Building evacuated
Fire crews were alerted at about 0110 GMT, and appliances from across the city were called in.
Sub divisional officer Gary Yendell, of West Midlands Fire Service, said: "Considering that 500 people [were inside] I think it's a very good success story in terms of the evacuation.
A West Midlands Fire Service spokeswoman said the club had been evacuated by the time they were called.
"And that is down to the training of the door staff and the management."
It was initially feared that club-goers could have been trapped in the burning building but it was later determined that everyone inside had escaped.
Firefighters were still at the scene through Sunday
Fire crews were first alerted to a fire in a men's toilet at the club at about 0110 GMT, and appliances from across the city were called in.
It was initially feared that clubbers could have been trapped in the burning building but it was later determined that everyone inside had escaped.
One eyewitness, who lives in an apartment block close to the scene, said he could see flames and smoke shooting from the roof of the club.
One eyewitness, who lives in an apartment block close to the scene, said he could see flames and smoke shooting from the roof of the club.
Rabinder Bhachu, a BBC employee, said: "I was woken up by the noise of the fire engines, as well as the smell of smoke coming into my building.
Rabinder Bhachu, a BBC employee, said: "I was woken by the noise of the fire engines, as well as the smell of smoke coming into my building.
"The club is between two streets, and there seems to be flames coming from either side of the building. It does seem to be spreading."
"The club is between two streets, and there seems to be flames coming from either side of the building. It does seem to be spreading."
Did you see the fire at Edward's No.8 club? Send us your experiences.
Did you see the fire at Edward's No.8 club? Send us your experiences.
You can send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 (0)7725 100 100.
You can send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 (0)7725 100 100.
