ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — A massive fire erupted in a prominent skyscraper in downtown Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, resulting in extensive damage to the building but fortunately leaving no casualties. This skyscraper, known as the Vjesnik tower, was associated with a well-known newspaper that operated there until approximately twelve years ago.

The blaze ignited near the top of the 16-story structure and swiftly spread downwards, posing significant challenges for some 100 firefighters attempting to combat the flames. Reports from Croatian media indicated that the firefighters faced difficulties entering the building due to the rapid spread of the fire.

At the time of the incident, which occurred close to midnight on Monday, the building was largely vacant. By midday Tuesday, the fire appeared to have been extinguished, although remnants of the blaze continued to smolder within the metal and concrete framework of the structure.

According to Zagreb's mayor, Tomislav Tomasevic, the damage incurred by the fire was regrettably extensive. He expressed hope that both the state and other stakeholders would soon initiate renovations for this iconic structure located in a central area of the city. This expresses the mayor’s commitment to restoring the building, which holds significance for the local community.

Reports also indicated that due to the intensity of the fire, pieces of the Vjesnik tower had fallen off. The fire reportedly spread through the building’s ventilation shafts, creating further complications for emergency responders trying to control the situation.

The Vjesnik tower had served as a hub for various Croatian media companies in the past, making it an important landmark in Zagreb. As the city reflects on this incident, efforts will likely be made to evaluate fire safety protocols and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The recent fire underscores the need for stringent safety measures in high-rise buildings, especially those with significant historical value. The rapid response from the firefighters, despite the challenges, is commendable, and their efforts ensured that the incident did not result in any loss of life.