Large fire burns through disused nightclub and church
A large fire has torn through a disused nightclub and an adjoining church in South Wales.
Fire crews were called to the blaze at the former Zanzibar club and Bethel Community Church in the Stow Hill area of Newport at 6.19pm on Friday, authorities said.
@southwalesargus massive fire in Newport this evening. Apparently at the old Zanzibar nightclub? pic.twitter.com/GKM36gSaKP
-- David Price (@woodchatshrike) June 15, 2018
Images posted online showed the air heavy with dark smoke with large flames burning right through the church.
Around 40 residents were evacuated as a precaution, with others urged to keep doors and windows closed, Jennie Griffiths, joint head of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said.
Bethel Community Church, Newport sadly on fire. pic.twitter.com/tWymW8cLGH
-- Veronica Snowball (@sacinorev) June 15, 2018
More than 70 firefighters using 10 fire engines and 11 supporting appliances, including a crane, were needed to bring the blaze under control.
Flames appeared to die down at around 9.30pm according to witnesses on social media, with the structural stability of the two-storey building being assessed by officials, Ms Griffiths said.