Hundreds of people were evacuated after fire engulfed one of Queenstown's most popular bars on Friday, enveloping the resort in thick black smoke.
The scene as the fire was controlled. Photo: RNZ
The fire started in the kitchen of the pizza parlour on Shotover Street at 3.30pm and spread to The World Bar upstairs.
Six appliances including one from Invercargill and a command unit from Alexandra were used to bring it under control, sometime after 5pm.
The fire broke out at the World Bar on Shotover Street. Photo: SUPPLIED
Two ambulances were also on standby.
Witnesses describe seeing the roof of the building collapse, blowing out the windows and sending flames leaping into the air.
Buildings near the bar, including a hotel, were evacuated and Shotover Street - the town's main street - was closed, affecting many businesses that would have been open on Friday night.
The scene above the town. Photo: RNZ
Office workers in neighbouring buildings were evacuated.
Guests in the Sofitel Hotel were asked to leave their rooms.
Sergeant Steve Watts says it was one of the biggest fires in the resort in years.
Late on Friday night firefighters were damping down the building.
Shotover Street was later reopened.
The Fire Service is investigating.
