- The New County Hotel in Perth called for 21 ambulances and 9 fire units.
- The Scottish Ambulance Service provided on-site care to eleven patients.
- Police evacuated apartments and hotel guests.
A fire that started in a hotel in Perth and quickly spread throughout the property was responsible for the deaths of three individuals.
At around 05:10, emergency services including 21 ambulance crews and 9 fire trucks were dispatched to the New County Hotel on County Place.
Two residents of the nearby flats and guests at the hotel were evacuated, and police set up a perimeter and asked the public to stay away from the area.
The Scottish Ambulance Service provided on-site care to eleven patients.
Around 06:30, the fire was put out, and after a search, the bodies were found.
Police started pulling them from blue tents near to the hotel just before noon and placing them in a private ambulance.
Residents of the city’s main street expressed dismay at the possibility of such a tragedy occurring on the second day of the year.
“We were wakened at 05:00 when the alarms went off and the lights were flashing in my room,” one resident told Media.
“Obviously as we were watching it unfold, police incident units were arriving. The fire brigade and 21 ambulances were outside.
“It was pretty horrendous to watch. It was frightening. When I saw the private ambulance I knew it only meant one thing. Then I realized it was major.”
According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, a dog also perished in the tragic fire.
Police Scotland reported that they were working with the fire service to launch a joint investigation.
Ch Supt Phil Davison added: “Our thoughts are very much with the families and loved ones of those who have died at what is a very difficult time for everyone.”
Deputy First Minister John Swinney, who is the local MSP, paid tribute to the work of the emergency services.
“The news of the major fire at the New County Hotel in Perth and the loss of life that has been associated with that has been an absolutely tragic start to 2023 in the city of Perth,” he said.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to everybody who has been involved in this tragedy and affected by this tragedy.
“There has been a huge effort by the emergency services to try to avoid the loss of life and address the very serious fire that has emerged, and a whole host of support work has been put in place to assist those who have been affected, and I’m grateful to everybody for their efforts in these very sad circumstances.”
Councilor Eric Drysdale, who is deputy leader of Perth and Kinross Council told Media: “The loss of three people in a dreadful fire is truly shocking and my heart goes out to the family and friends of the deceased.”
A different hotel in the city centre was taking care of the nearby inhabitants, hotel personnel, and visitors, the mayor continued.
Although the road closure had inconvenienced residents and businesses, Mr. Drysdale insisted that it was crucial for first responders to protect the site.
He added: “There have been three deaths and the investigation has to take its course. I’m sorry to people and indeed businesses on the street that have been affected. I’m sure everything is being done to restore access as soon as possible.”
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