Thick smoke is billowing through Belfast City Centre today (Tuesday) as firefighters battle a massive blaze at Primark on Royal Avenue.
A fire broke out on the roof of the five-storey building at 11am this morning and has since destroyed the entire building.
There are no reports of any injuries and Primark have confirmed earlier today that the building was safely evacuated.
Up to 100 firefighters are attending the scene in the heart of Belfast. Parts of the roof have fallen in and there are fears that the building will collapse entirely.
Primark was housed in one of Belfast’s oldest and most iconic buildings. The original Bank Buildings was built in 1785 and redesigned in 1900. The building survived three bombs during the Troubles in 1975.
Primark has been undergoing a major renovation project recently at a cost of £30million. Now, the flames have led to explosive-sounding floor collapses while Police work to keep onlookers at a safe distance.
The incident is being described as a devastating day for many people employed in the store and a sad day for the city’s history and economy.
