Our towering inferno: Gold Coast high-rise evacuated as fire breaks out
Dozens of residents and holidaymakers were evacuated and as many as 17 people, including a five-month-old baby, have been treated by paramedics after a fire broke out in a Surfers Paradise high rise.
Ten people were taken to hospital after the blaze in the 322-metre-tall Q1 residential tower on Monday, one of the tallest residential towers in the world.
“On our arrival, we were confronted with a partial evacuation and a number of patients experiencing smoke inhalation,” Queensland Ambulance Service senior operations supervisor Cary Strong said.
Paramedics treated 17 people ranging in age from five months to their late 80s for smoke inhalation and pre-existing medical conditions exacerbated by the smoke.
A young man was also treated for minor injuries after falling in a stairwell.
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Another seven people are being assessed and could still be taken to hospital.
‘We’re currently monitoring those seven and will make a decision shortly,” Mr Strong said.
Mr Strong thanked the people who were evacuated for following the directions of emergency services.
“I would like to praise the public for following all the directions given by the emergency services but more importantly looking after each other and identifying those that were struggling and needed care,” he added.
The Q1 Tower was the world’s tallest residential building from 2005 to 2011
