Fire in Bucharest's Old Town; 5 taken to hospital, fire crews at the scene

A fierce fire broke out in Bucharest's historic center early today (May 3). Local reports indicate that five people needed emergency attention, but there is no news of fatalities. Fire crews were soon on the scene and succeeded in evacuating the building and containing the blaze. The fire started on the fourth floor of a building on Str. Blănari, according to the spokesperson of the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (ISU) Bucharest, Daniel Vasile. Dr Bogdan Opriţa from the SMURD emergency medical services told local news agency Mediafax that the five people requiring medical attention were suffering from smoke inhalation. Four have reportedly been taken to Floreasca Hospital while the fifth has gone to the University Hospital. The cause of the fire is as yet unknown, according to the authorities. editor@romania-insider.com