Evacuation as IBM high-rise catches fire in central Brisbane

2 Jun, 2015 03:34 / Updated 9 years ago

Hundreds of people have reportedly been evacuated after a fire broke out on the 13th floor of the IBM building in the central business district of Brisbane, Australia. Multiple firefighting crews have been dispatched and sealed off the adjacent streets.

BREAKING: Heavy Smoke Seen Billowing Form IBM Building In Queensland, AUS - http://t.co/KBppWIT2Yapic.twitter.com/wlnNdZbHOB

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 2, 2015

Hundreds of people, including those who just evacuated from the high-rise on Edward Street, watched thick smoke billowing from one of the upper floors of the building. Firefighters were called to the scene at 12:40 pm Tuesday.

IBM building on Edward street ablaze pic.twitter.com/D9YYpH2211

— Luke Pendergast (@Lukependergast) June 2, 2015

The whole 13th floor filled with smoke, but all employees were safely evacuated, according to the tech company.

“All our staff are safe and accounted for,” an IBM spokeswoman said.

UPDATE: Paramedics are at the scene of the IBM building fire, Edward St, Brisbane CBD. Image: mattiusg. #9Newspic.twitter.com/0ur7v1Nsjp

— Nine News Brisbane (@9NewsBrisbane) June 2, 2015

According to reports, the fire may have started in a service elevator.

Multiple #QFES crews attending incident on Edward St, Brisbane CBD, building evacuation in progress.

— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) June 2, 2015

The fire has been successfully put out and Queensland Ambulance Service said there have been no reports of injuries.

Fire at Edward St #Brisbane CBD is out. Primary search has been completed by firefighters, secondary search underway.

— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) June 2, 2015