A large fire engulfed a building under construction in downtown Raleigh, N.C. Thursday night, March 16, 2017. A statement from the Raleigh Police Department says preliminary information indicates there were no injuries. (2017 The News and Observer)
RALEIGH, N.C. – Firefighters battled a massive late-night fire that engulfed an apartment building under construction in North Carolina's capital city, authorities said early Friday.
Preliminary information indicates there were no injuries, said Raleigh police spokeswoman Laura Hourigan. The fire began shortly after 10 p.m. Thursday in the building in downtown Raleigh, a city in the eastern part of the state.
The flames ignited surrounding vegetation and spread to utility poles. It's unclear whether surrounding buildings were affected.
Local media organizations reported that residents of nearby apartments were jolted awake by noise and light from the flames. Power was reported out in nearby apartment complexes and traffic lights.
A witness, Pedro Tapiak, told the News and Observer of Raleigh that spreading flames caused a construction crane to collapse.
Other witnesses spoke of sparks and flying objects amid gusting winds.
"There were chunks burning about three feet wide," said Torrin McBynum, of Garner. "One of them went under my sweater."
Firefighters on extended ladders dumped water on the flames as wind gusts spread smoke for blocks all around. There were no signs of anyone trapped in the building, according to the local media reports.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
True Crime
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.
