Twelve taken to hospital after Douglas flats fire

Twelve people have been taken to hospital following a fire at a block of flats in Douglas.

Crews arrived at the building on Bucks Road at about 03:40 BST on Wednesday morning, the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue has said.

Two people were trapped on the top floor and were rescued by firefighters using a ladder, with 10 others below making their way out themselves.

There were 12 people in total inside the building at the time, all of whom were treated at the scene and taken to Noble's Hospital for "precautionary checks".

The fire service said there was an "initial indication" that the fire "may be linked to a bathroom extractor fan" but a "fire investigation remains ongoing at this time".

Due to the high number of people trapped and requiring treatment, a "major incident" was declared, the fire service said.

This was in place for "a short period" and everyone has now been discharged from hospital.

It is the second fire this week, after a blaze at an unoccupied derelict building on Monday, after which police launched an investigation.

Fire crews were also supported by the ambulance service, the emergency service joint control room, police and emergency planning.

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