Person rescued by crane from burning building as huge fire breaks out in Reading

Chilling footage shows a person being rescued by crane from a burning building in Reading.

The major fire broke out in an under-construction building in the city centre earlier this morning (23 November) as a number of fire service crews attended the scene.

It is not yet known if there is currently anyone else still in the construction site.

Videos of the blaze show plumes of smoke billowing into the sky from the tall building.

The harrowing footage shows a person on a top floor of the site, extremely close to roaring flames and black clouds of smoke as a crane drops down a construction cage in an attempt to rescue them.

They appear to somewhat struggle to get in as they are nearly engulfed by the smoke, but when they are eventually lifted away by the crane, a small nearby crowd cheers.

While reports on social media suggest the major fire is now out and appears to be being controlled, the fire service are urging those nearby to close their windows and remain indoors.

The Mirror reports that nearby office workers in Reading's Thames Tower were asked to evacuate at 11.40am as they saw the flames going up.

X/@tomcanning83

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue shared on X: "We are currently attending an incident on Napier Road, Reading. Please avoid the area to allow emergency services clear access to the scene.

"If you live in the surrounding area, please keep windows closed and stay indoors. Further updates will be provided shortly."

A Berkshire Live reporter at the scene, Richard Lemmer, wrote to X at 12.08pm: "The fire appears to be under control or extinguished but hundreds of construction workers remain outside of the Station Hill development site in central Reading, as the situation is ‘under review’ according to one builder."

X/ChrLauder

A Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson told LADbible: "At 11:38am on Thursday, 23 November, we received reports of a fire near Napier Road in Reading.

"A number of our crews are currently on the scene. While emergency services work, we ask that people avoid the area where possible and close windows and doors if you live or work nearby.

"Thank you for your patience while we deal with this incident. Updates will continue to be provided through our website incident feed."

South Central Ambulance Service also shared to X: "We are supporting @RBFRSofficial & @TVP_Reading at a major fire in central Reading. Please avoid the area whilst the emergency services respond to the incident."

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