News
Somerset House Fire Contained, Artwork and Public Safe
A fire that broke out at Somerset House, a historic arts venue in central London, has been successfully contained after a swift response from around 125 firefighters. The blaze, which erupted in the west wing of the building shortly before midday, prompted the closure of the landmark until further notice.
Firefighters from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) worked tirelessly to extinguish the final pockets of fire located in the roof space. Fortunately, there were no artworks in the affected area, and no injuries have been reported.
Thick grey smoke was seen rising over the River Thames and nearby Waterloo Bridge, causing concern among onlookers. However, LFB’s assistant commissioner Keeley Foster assured the public that the situation was under control, describing the response as “complex and technical.” Firefighters will remain at the scene into the next day to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.
Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House, expressed relief that the fire was contained but noted that it’s too early to assess the full extent of the damage to the building. He confirmed that the venue would stay closed for the time being, although the Courtauld Gallery, located within Somerset House, is set to reopen to the public tomorrow.
The London Ambulance Service advised locals to avoid the area and keep windows and doors shut due to the heavy smoke. Arts minister Sir Chris Bryant expressed his hope that Somerset House could reopen soon and confirmed that his department is in contact with the venue.
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, the rapid response and effective coordination between the LFB and Somerset House staff ensured that the situation was managed without harm to the public or the venue’s treasured art collection.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
Iceland Demands Supermarket Rivals Stop Selling Prawn Rings
Coldplay Set to Break Taylor Swift’s Wembley Record with 10-Night Run
Naomi Campbell Banned from Charity Work Following Misuse of Funds
-
Spotlight4 days agoTop Legal Pitfalls Employers Must Avoid to Prevent Wrongful Termination Claims
-
Sports4 days agoBarcelona’s Ter Stegen to Undergo Knee Surgery After Injury
-
Sports3 days ago‘Haaland throwing ball at Gabriel a coward’s move’
-
Business4 days agoBritish Airways Suspends Summer 2025 Flights from Southampton Airport
-
News4 days agoJapan Battles Devastating Floods Following Record Rainfall, Six Dead
-
Entertainment4 days agoDeadline Set for Bids on Historic Peter Pan House in Dumfries
-
Sports4 days agoStones Snatches Late Equaliser to Deny Arsenal Victory at Etihad
-
News2 days agoCaroline Ellison Sentenced to Two Years in Prison, Ordered to Forfeit $11 Billion in FTX Fraud Case