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Skyscraper in Milan: facade shrouded in thick black smoke
Photo: PIERO CRUCIATTI / AFP
A high-rise in Milan was badly damaged by a major fire.
According to the fire department, the fire broke out on the upper floors of the 20-story building on the southern outskirts of the city early on Sunday evening.
It then spread to the lower floors.
Mayor Beppe Sala said there have been no reports of fatalities so far.
"There are no reports of missing people," said the fire department.
The approximately 70 families who lived in the building had been contacted by phone.
Firemen went from apartment to apartment and smashed the doors to make sure that no one was in the apartments, Sala told the "Corriere della Sera".
Authorities are confident that people will be able to escape the flames in time.
According to the newspaper, around 20 residents suffered slight smoke poisoning.
"We smelled smoke and fled immediately"
The fire brigade was on duty with many fire engines.
Hours after the fire broke out, the emergency services reported that the fire was under control.
Pictures showed how the facade of the entire house is shrouded in thick black smoke.
"We smelled smoke and fled immediately," said a resident, according to the Ansa news agency.
Another eyewitness said that panels on the walls had melted "like butter".
wit / dpa / AFP
