A major fire engulfed a residential building in Tirana, directly opposite the Mother Teresa Hospital, forcing the evacuation of residents and triggering a large emergency response.
The fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon, rapidly spreading across the façade of the apartment building and producing thick smoke that covered the surrounding area. Eyewitness footage shows flames climbing several floors as residents rushed to leave their homes, including elderly individuals and families with children.
Firefighters were quickly dispatched to the scene and used ladders to access upper floors, attempting to contain the blaze and assist those trapped inside. In dramatic rescue efforts, emergency crews were seen helping an elderly woman evacuate from the building while others fled carrying personal belongings and pets.
Authorities confirmed that several people, including both residents and firefighters, suffered smoke inhalation. At least four individuals were transported to the emergency unit for medical treatment, highlighting the intensity of the fire and the risks faced during the intervention.
Despite the scale of the incident, initial reports indicate that no fatalities have been recorded. However, the fire caused significant damage to the structure, particularly the exterior façade, and raised concerns about the safety of nearby buildings as flames threatened to spread further within the residential complex.
The incident has once again underscored the challenges of managing urban fires in densely populated areas of Tirana. Emergency services continue to investigate the cause of the blaze, while efforts remain focused on securing the area and assessing structural damage.