SkyCity fire: First photo from inside Convention Centre reveals extent of damage
The first image of inside the damaged SkyCity International Convention Centre has been revealed.
The photo, obtained by the NZÂ Herald, confirms the centre's roof has partially burnt out and collapsed, while damaged material from the structure hangs precariously over construction equipment inside the building.
Dangerous liquids are visibly seen running along the floor, while light from outside the building comes streaming in through the gaping burnt-out holes in the roof.
The image, which has been verified by SkyCity, was captured on Wednesday while the fire was still raging.
Photo / NZME.
The SkyCity convention centre rooftop is about 85 per cent burnt through.
Fire and Emergency say the blaze, which began on Tuesday, is now "under control and less visible".
"Firefighters are still dampening hot spots to prevent any flare-ups."
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff praised firefighters for their "amazing work''.
"There is still a lot of work to be done in the area, but amazing work by Fire Emergency NZ,'' he said on Twitter.
Fire crews were hoping the roof would have burned through by 8pm last night - but flames were still emerging early this morning.
Firefighters in a cage suspended from a crane are inspecting the hot spots this morning. The current priority is to protect the sides of the building not already damaged.
At its peak, 150 firefighters and 30 fire appliances battled the blaze in the $700 million convention centre, which was still under construction.
Photo / NZH
The construction site made it one of the most challenging fires tackled in recent memory, but letting the roof burn out proved successful, regional manager Ron Devlin said.
This morning, two people at the convention centre fire site were treated by medical staff.
St John confirmed that one person had been taken to Auckland City Hospital in a moderate condition at 8.45am.
The nature of their injuries is not known but they were treated at the emergency department.
Another person required medical help before 8am and was treated at the scene.
A St John spokeswoman said that person did not need to be taken to hospital, however, and suffered minor injuries.
It comes after three people were given medical treatment yesterday.
A person at the site suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Auckland City Hospital at 1.45pm.
In a message to the NZ Herald, a SkyCity spokesperson warned bystanders to keep away from the incident site, indicating their presence could cause dangers and damage to the scene and those working at the site.
They confirmed no one is allowed around or inside the building at this time.
This article was first published on the NZ Herald and is republished here with permission.
NZME.
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