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Mandarin Oriental fire: Blaze at Knightsbridge hotel Mandarin Oriental fire: Blaze at Knightsbridge hotel
(35 minutes later)
A huge fire has broken out at a luxury hotel in central London a week after the completion of "the most extensive restoration in its 115-year history".A huge fire has broken out at a luxury hotel in central London a week after the completion of "the most extensive restoration in its 115-year history".
Plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the five-star Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge after firefighters were called just before 16:00.Plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the five-star Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge after firefighters were called just before 16:00.
About 120 firefighters and 20 engines had been sent to the scene in William Street, London Fire Brigade said. About 120 firefighters and 20 engines have been sent to the scene in William Street, London Fire Brigade said.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, a spokesperson confirmed.The cause of the fire is not yet known, a spokesperson confirmed.
Bosses of the international hotel chain recently announced the end of renovation work "designed to confirm this historic hotel's position as one of the best in the world". Both the ambulance service and the Met Police are also attending the scene, although there are no reports of any injuries, the fire brigade said.
'Smell was horrendous' After the blaze broke out, staff were evacuated from the 12-storey building to Hyde Park, where they were given bottles of water.
A 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. Smell 'horrendous'
"As the situation is still unfolding, we have no further details to share at this time, but will provide an update soon." One, who asked not to be named, said: "The fire alarm started and everybody was told to get outside.
Knightsbridge has been closed between Sloane Street and Grosvenor Place. "Everything's fine but we don't know how it started yet."
The ambulance service and the Met Police are also attending the scene, although there are no reports of any injuries, the fire service said. Dozens of witnesses were in Knightsbridge, home to the Harrods department store, when the fire started.
Penelope Evans, 50, from Battersea, south London, was shopping in Harrods when she noticed the thick smoke as she was leaving.Penelope Evans, 50, from Battersea, south London, was shopping in Harrods when she noticed the thick smoke as she was leaving.
"I saw all this black smoke coming from the sky, it was covering everything and the smell was horrendous," she said."I saw all this black smoke coming from the sky, it was covering everything and the smell was horrendous," she said.
"It was like people were in shock, everyone immediately just started leaving the street and the area."It was like people were in shock, everyone immediately just started leaving the street and the area.
"There were hundreds of fire engines, ambulances, police racing by and helicopters overhead."There were hundreds of fire engines, ambulances, police racing by and helicopters overhead.
"After Grenfell, I feel like people are a lot more on edge about these things, people just wanted to get out.""After Grenfell, I feel like people are a lot more on edge about these things, people just wanted to get out."
The 12-storey Mandarin Oriental has previously been used by the Royal Family. Tourist Eric Bantug, who was visiting from Las Vegas, spoke of his shock at seeing an historic building in flames..
The 47-year-old financial services worker, visiting from Las Vegas, said: "I was just coming up from the Tube and smelled the fire. I could smell burning.
"When I got up above ground I saw all the smoke coming out of the building.
"It's pretty old and it's a shame to see it happen."
Bosses of the international hotel chain recently announced the end of renovation work "designed to confirm this historic hotel's position as one of the best in the world".
A 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."
Knightsbridge has been closed between Sloane Street and Grosvenor Place and a number of nearby buildings have been evacuated.
Patients and staff were evacuated from W One cosmetic clinic next door to the hotel, according to Dr Terry Loong who said she and her team were ordered to leave the premises at about 16:00 by the London Fire Brigade.
Harvey Nichols has also been evacuated.
The Mandarin Oriental has previously been used by the Royal Family.
The Queen hosted an event for British and foreign royals the night before Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge got married in 2011.The Queen hosted an event for British and foreign royals the night before Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge got married in 2011.
Everything 'is fine'
Transport for London said the blaze was also affecting entry to and exit from Knightsbridge station.Transport for London said the blaze was also affecting entry to and exit from Knightsbridge station.
It tweeted: "Knightsbridge: currently the Sloane Street entrance at the station is closed.It tweeted: "Knightsbridge: currently the Sloane Street entrance at the station is closed.
"Customers are advised to use the Harrods entrance.""Customers are advised to use the Harrods entrance."
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