Three people die in hotel fire in Perth, Scotland
Emergency crews were called to the blaze at the New County Hotel shortly after 5am on Monday.
Monday 2 January 2023 14:44, UK
Three people have died after a fire broke out at a hotel in Perth in Scotland.
Emergency crews were called to the blaze at the New County Hotel shortly after 5am on Monday.
Police Scotland said three people were confirmed dead at the scene, while a dog also died in the fire.
Officers say a further 11 people were treated at the scene for minor injuries by the Scottish Ambulance Service.
Hotel guests and two people from a neighbouring block of flats were evacuated and are being supported, police said.
Chief Superintendent Phil Davison said: "Our thoughts are very much with the families and loved ones of those who have died at what is a very difficult time for everyone.
"Our inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what has happened and officers are conducting a joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service."
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it had sent nine vehicles and 60 firefighters to the scene.
Jason Sharp, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's local senior officer for Perth, Kinross, Angus and Dundee, said the fire was a "very complex incident" and crews worked "extremely hard" to tackle the blaze.
Meanwhile, a Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We received a call from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at 05.05hrs this morning (2 January) to attend a fire at the New County Hotel, Perth.
"We dispatched 21 resources, including our Special Operations Team, and attended to 14 casualties.
"Eleven patients did not require hospitalisation, but sadly three patients died at the scene.
"Our thoughts remain with those who have been affected by this incident."
A police cordon is in place and members of the public are asked to avoid the area.
'Lucky to get out alive'
One guest at the hotel told Sky News that she felt "lucky to get out alive" after escaping the fire.
The woman, who gave her name as Barbara, said that she and her husband had been staying in a room directly above where the fire broke out.
She said: "We woke to the sounds of the alarms going off and just ran, we left everything we have in the room.
"As we reached the front door you could see burning embers falling to the ground. We ran through as quickly as we could, hoping that nothing would fall on us.
"We didn't realise how close we were to where the fire started, really we're lucky to get out alive.
"Once we were out on the street you could see how bad it really was, we just stood there and watched as people were carried out on stretchers and treated by the emergency services, the people on the second floor were in a particularly bad way.
Barbara recently returned to the UK with her husband after living abroad and checked into the New County Hotel on December 16 while they looked for a more permanent home in the area.
She added: "It's so sad. It's been a really traumatic day for us."
'Heartbreaking news'
Another witness who saw the fire told Sky News: "I live just across the road. I heard an alarm, glass shattering and then sirens so I ran outside to see what was happening."
He described it as an "awful" incident.
Politicians across Scotland today shared their sympathy with the families of the victims.
Scotland's Deputy First Minister John Swinney tweeted: "Heartbreaking news emerging from Perth this morning. My sympathies with all affected by this tragedy."
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross MSP said: "Absolutely awful to hear of the fire in a Perth hotel which has claimed the lives of three people.
"What a tragic start to 2023. My thoughts go out to the loved ones of those who have died.
"As always, thanks to our emergency services for their swift response in tragic circumstances."
'Tragic start to 2023'
Perth and Kinross Provost Xander McDade said in a thread on Twitter: "This tragic incident is not the way any of us would want to see 2023 begin and my heartfelt condolences go to everyone impacted by this fire."