Derry hotel evacuated in fire drama

A Derry hotel was evacuated this afternoon after a fire broke out in its laundry room.

Guests, diners and staff were moved from the Waterfoot Hotel in the Waterside during the incident which occurred shortly after 2.00pm.

One diner said he saw flames and could smell smoke through the hotel’s carvery area as they were being evacuated from the building, located just off the Foyle Bridge.

He was one of up to 60 people, a number of who were attending First Communion lunches, who were dining in the hotel at the time.

Station Commander Nigel Hagon said the fire started accidentally the hotel’s laundry room.

He said: “Tea towels in a tumble dryer spontaneously ignited. It was a small accidental fire.

“Staff were very quick and very prompt and fire precautions in the building prevented the fire from spreading.

“They quickly evacuated the building and once the area was safe and the fire brought under control, we allowed residents back into the bar area.”

SDLP Cllr Martin Reilly has praised the hotel staff and fire crews for their handling of the blaze.

He said: “This must have been a very traumatic incident for guests, diners and staff.

“The staff and fire crews must be credited at how they quickly dealt with the incident.”