24 evacuated in Galway flats blaze

Gardaí are investigating a fire in an apartment complex in Galway City this morning in which 24 people were evacuated.

The blaze is believed to have started in a stairwell of the three-storey building in Salthill.

Fire services helped rescue the residents of Glenview House after the alarm was raised at 6am.

Many people escaped to their balconies as smoke and flames spread through the building.

Everybody was removed safely but some were suffering from shock and smoke inhalation.

A local Garda spokesman said: “Forensic officers are waiting to enter the building and examine the cause of the fire.”

Gardaí have appealed for people with information to come forward to assist them.