Fire forces evacuation of Kematen residential complex, injures one

A fire forced the evacuation of a residential complex in Kematen an der Ybbs in the Amstetten district on Thursday, injuring one person, ORF reported. The flames spread rapidly across the entire complex.

Firefighters were alerted shortly before 2 p.m. Flames were already emerging from the roof when they arrived, according to the Kematen an der Ybbs fire brigade. They fought the fire using aerial rescue vehicles and several teams equipped with breathing apparatus.

A total of 24 apartments were evacuated and 60 people were brought to safety. One person suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital.

Forty residents were initially accommodated at a nearby Red Cross office before being moved to the event hall in Kematen, where they were receiving assistance, spokesperson Sonja Kellner said.

The crisis intervention team and 17 Red Cross staff were also involved. The cause of the fire was not yet known and was due to be investigated by police after the operation. Several apartments were expected to remain unusable.

The municipality organised alternative accommodation for those affected. Firefighters expected the operation to continue into the night. About 120 emergency personnel from seven fire brigades were involved.