Huge blaze engulfs Coatbridge tower block flat as flames seen from top floor window

A huge blaze has erupted from a top-floor flat in a tower block in Coatbridge.

Emergency services rushed to the High Coats flats in the Coats Street area of the town at around 1.30 pm this afternoon (July 1). Nine fire appliances are currently in attendance.

Shocking images from the scene show flames engulfing the top of the residential building. Thick grey smoke can be seen billowing into the air.

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Emergency teams worked with height vehicles to rescue casualties from the residential building. Six people were handed over to the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Their condition is currently unknown.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service told the Record: "We were alerted at 1.29pm on Monday, 1 July to reports of a fire within a flat on the top floor of a multi-story building, Highcoats, Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire.

"Operations Control mobilised a total of 14 fire appliances, including specialist and height vehicles, to the scene and firefighters have now extinguished the flames and are working to make the area safe.

"Six casualties were rescued from the building using fire hoods and handed into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.

"Crews will remain in attendance for some time."

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