Firefighters battle a massive blaze at Somerset House in London – La Tercera

Twenty fire trucks were deployed on Saturday to tackle a fire at the Somerset House de Londonhome to an important art collection that includes works by Botticelli y Cezannewith clouds of smoke visible on the city’s horizon.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) reported that he had sent some 125 firefighters to the scene after receiving a call shortly before noon on Saturday.

“Firefighters are battling the flames located on part of the roof of the building,” the agency said. LFB in a statement, adding that the causes of the fire are still unknown.

Firefighters battle a massive blaze at Somerset House in London REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska

Police reported that There were no injuries.

Somerset Houselocated on the banks of the River Thames in the center of Londonis a former royal palace and stately home, and is currently an artistic, cultural and leisure centre.

The Galería Courtauldwhich houses Masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th Centuryis located in the north wing of the building.

“Due to a fire in a small part of Somerset House“The venue is currently closed,” Somerset House said in a post on X.

“London Battle (break dance event) and other events today will not take place. We apologize for the inconvenience.”

The enclosure of Somerset House date of 1547.

It was the residence of Princess Isabel before being crowned Queen Elizabeth I in 1558 and the headquarters of the parliamentary army from 1642during the English Civil Warand is a former headquarters of both the Admiralty as of the Tax Agency.

He Great Fire of London of 1666 destroyed much of the Citybut stopped right next to Somerset House.

Firefighters battle a massive blaze at Somerset House in London REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska