Tower block fire rips through 14-storey building leaving children trapped on balconies in Buenos Aires
FLAMES have torn through a high-rise tower block in the city of Buenos Aires, trapping terrified residents including children inside.
At least five people have died so far including three children after the fire broke out on the sixth floor of a 14-storey building in the Argentinian capital.
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A further 18 people have been transferred to hospitals in Buenos Aires, some reportedly with serious injuries.
One eyewitness who lives in the apartment block in the Recoleta area of the city told La Nacion: “There are still neighbours trapped.”
The fire broke out just before dawn local time on Thursday.
Another resident told reports she heard a loud “explosion” just before dawn.
“Cries for help were heard, we saw children, there was a lot of smoke,” she said. “I saw two children as if leaning out on the balcony.”
At least 25 ambulances have been scrambled to the scene.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
A nine-year-old girl was treated with oxygen at the scene by fire crews.
