Fire crews battle blaze at Laois apartment block

FIRE crews are battling a blaze at a Laois apartment block, where two people have been brought to hospital.

The fire broke out early this morning at an apartment complex in Kilnacourt, Portarlington.

Firefighters rushed to the scene, after flames erupted in the building at about 6am on Thursday morning.

Fire crews from Portarlington, Mountmellick, Portlaoise and Monasterevin attended the emergency.

While the extensive blaze was brought under control, the fire service remains at the scene to ensure that the area is safe and there is no further outbreak.

Two people were brought to Portlaoise hospital as a result of the blaze, which damaged a number of units in the apartment block.

Neighbouring homes and businesses were left without electricity as a result of the incident. McGreal's Pharmacy was among those that had to close for a time due to the fire.

The busy Kilnacourt surgery based at the primary care centre announced that it had to close, as it had no power due to the major incident at the residential block. However, the surgery is up and running again after power was restored.

Portarlington GAA Club in Cooltederry has opened its doors for any residents who need food and shelter due to the blaze.