Kiel – A fire broke out in a building above the Sophienhof shopping center in downtown Kiel on Saturday evening. According to the fire department, several people are currently missing.
Initial reports from the German Press Agency (dpa) indicated the fire was at the Sophienhof shopping center itself. The Kiel fire department later clarified that the fire occurred in an apartment within the building complex. The building was evacuated. At 9:11 PM, a fire department spokesperson stated, “We are continuing with a large contingent of emergency personnel from the fire department and rescue services at Sophienblatt in a fire operation. Currently, several people are reported missing in the affected building.”
Approximately 24 minutes later, the situation control center reported, “The fire has been extinguished in the meantime. The affected building has been evacuated. We are continuing with emergency personnel from the fire department, rescue service and police for follow-up work.”
A fire department spokesperson told BILD they could not initially provide information about possible casualties or the progress of the search for the missing persons. According to dpa, residents reported hearing cries for help from the burning apartment. Police reported flames were visible from a window.
Frequently Asked Questions
What initially caused the reports of a fire at the Sophienhof?
The German Press Agency (dpa) initially reported the fire was at the Sophienhof shopping center, but the fire department later clarified it was in an apartment in the building complex.
What is the current status of the fire?
The fire was extinguished, and the building was evacuated. Fire department, rescue services, and police personnel remain on scene for follow-up work.
Were there any reports of people inside the burning building?
According to the fire department, several people are currently missing. Residents reported hearing cries for help from the burning apartment, and police reported flames were visible from a window.
As emergency services continue their work, what questions remain most pressing for residents and authorities alike?
