Update (1054 EST): Fire is ripping through the Mill Creek apartments buildings near the Southpark Mall.
Charlotteans, please stay safe and refrain from calling 911 unless it is an emergency. Our public safety officials are working very hard to control the 5-alarm fire in the SouthPark area. Everyone’s safety is of the utmost importance. https://t.co/ZabFBksbI1
— Mayor Vi Lyles (@CLTMayor) May 18, 2023
Update (1050 EST): Footage has emerged showing a major collapse at one of the structures.
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Update (1033 EST): the fire has been upgraded to a six-alarm. At least 18 engines have been added to the box.
At approximately 0930 EST, reports began to emerge of a large fire on the 7700 Block of Liberty Row Drive in Charlotte, NC at several apartment buildings. The emergency was elevated to a five-alarm fire at 1000 EST.
A massive fire has broken across SouthPark Mall. Flames are topping a 15-story building next door. CLT Fire just issued a fourth alarm pic.twitter.com/eIv7Exvjqn
— Brett Jensen WBT News (@Brett_Jensen) May 18, 2023
As of this publication, the emergency has not been brought under control. A crane operator is trapped in the equipment suspended above the fire. Multiple partial collapses have been reported. This is developing.
