Traumatised Perth fire hotel insider tells how blaze that killed three broke out as guests slept

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A terrified insider at a Perth hotel where three people died after a fire this morning has told how the blaze broke out while workers and guests slept.Emergency services raced to County Place in the Fair City at around 5.10am following reports of a fire breaking out in the New County Hotel.Police and fire officers have mounted a joint investigation in a bid to ascertain the cause of the blaze.

The hotel source told the Record of their terror after being woken by the smoke alarm early this morning.The man, who requested not to be named, said: “We heard the alarms and knew we had to get out.

The fire started in the room next to mine.“We could only see about two inches in front of us, the smoke was so thick. I tried to help as many folk as I could but I could only see a little in front of me."The person was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene along with 10 others.They added: “I was in proper shock this morning and got treated for smoke inhalation but I’m alright.

I’m glad to be alive.“It’s just not something you expect to happen to you. We’ve all been moved to the Salutation Hotel, we’re being well looked after and the police have been great, can’t fault them."Speaking on the tragic news that three people have died, the source added: “I feel awful knowing that folk have died.