This is a developing story.
A massive fire spanning at least 20 stories broke out in the Address Hotel in Dubai on Thursday evening (Dec. 31) local time. The building is near the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building and the focus of the city’s elaborate New Year’s Eve fireworks show.
It’s unclear what caused the fire; the fireworks display had yet to begin. According to Dubai officials, the flames are under control, and New Year’s Eve celebrations will continue as planned. All residents of the hotel had been evacuated, and 14 people were lightly injured.
A tweet from the city of Dubai said the fire started on the 20th floor. According to CNN, the Address is more than 60 stories tall, and is a five-star luxury hotel.
The New York Times reported that the area around the hotel was evacuated by 10pm local time (1 pm ET), according to local authorities, but the fate of people inside the building was unknown.