Northern Ireland

Fire causes major damage to Derry nightclub

Firefighters tackle a major fire at Envy nightclub on Derry's Strand Road last night.
Firefighters tackle a major fire at Envy nightclub on Derry's Strand Road last night. Firefighters tackle a major fire at Envy nightclub on Derry's Strand Road last night.

A fire has caused extensive damage to a night club in Derry city centre, sparking asbestos fears for people in the area.

Up to six fire engines were tasked to tackle the blaze at the Envy venue on Derry's Strand Road yesterday evening, which was reported to emergency services after 6pm.

The venue is located directly opposite Strand Road PSNI Station, and nearby premises were evacuated as police closed the Strand Road between Lawrence Hill and Asylum Road while fire crews fought the flames using an aerial platform.

Students attending evening classes at the North West Regional College building on Strand Road were among those evacuated as the fire took hold, while the Foyle Expressway was also closed to traffic during the incident.

Local public transport services were disrupted due to the road closures.

Loud bangs were audible from beyond the safety cordon outside as flames burst through the roof of the venue, which is popular with LGBTQ revellers and is described on the Discover Northern Ireland website as "the only gay venue in Northern Ireland's second largest city".

The venue was due to host its 'Thirsty Thursdays' club night just hours after the fire broke out.

Reporters at the scene were told by police officers that the roof of the building contained asbestos, and last night a PSNI spokesperson said: "Anyone living or working in close proximity to Strand Road is asked to ensure they keep their windows closed."

There were no reports of any injuries last night.