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Casualty taken to hospital after fire rips through Vovem kitchen in Aberdeen

Nearby businesses were forced to evacuate as thick smoke blanketed Union Street and the surrounding area.

A huge emergency response was required at Union Row to battle a restaurant fire.

Firefighters and police raced to the scene, at the back of Vovem restaurant, just before 12pm on Thursday, September 26.

A major police presence was established along Union Street from Summer Street to Bon Accord Street with several appliances including fire, police and ambulance on site.

While at the back were several fire appliances including a height vehicle which was dowsing water on the burning building.

Fire crews at the scene of the blaze on Union Row. Ross Hempseed/DC Thomson.

The Scottish Ambulance Service dispatched their special operations team and transported one patient to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

The severity of their injuries are unknown.

Closures were in place on Union Street, Summer Street, Union Wynd and Little Chapel Street. These roads have since reopened to traffic according to police.

Staff at the neighbouring clothing shop, Signature, were evacuated as well as staff from Vovem itself.

Flames could be seen shooting out the top of the building, believed to be the kitchen area. The building is located just opposite Union Plaza.

Thick white smoke also covered much of the surrounding area, as fire crews battled to bring the blaze under control.

Thick smoke blanketed Union Row in Aberdeen city centre

Flames at the building at the rear of Union Street. Image supplied by Fubar News.
Fire crews on Union Street. Image: Scott Baxter/DC Thomson.
Police  have sealed off the entrance to Summer Street. Scott Baxter/DC Thomson.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) were called to the scene at 11.46am and have sent six appliances and a height appliance.

As of 3.30pm, SFRS confirmed two appliances and a height vehicle remain on scene and that crews are just “dampening down hotspots”.

One witness said he was at Cafe 100 near Willowback Road and could still see the smoke.

“I turned onto Union Street and there was just white smoke everywhere,” he said.

“With all the smoke, I thought there was three buildings were on fire.

“I hope the place is okay – it’s a nice little business.”

Crews on Union Row where the roof of a building collapsed due to fire damage. Image: Scott Baxter / DC Thomson
The public has been asked to avoid the area. Image: Scott Baxter/DC Thomson.

Public asked to ‘avoid the area’

A police spokesperson said: “All roads have now reopened following an earlier fire on Union Street in Aberdeen.

“We’d like to thank everyone for their patience.”

Our reporters are working to bring you the latest updates on this developing story.

Please check back later for more and follow The Press and Journal on Facebook for breaking news. 

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