In brief
The COP30 climate talks in Belém were disrupted when a fire broke out inside the venue, leading to a swift evacuation. Flames and smoke were reported in the pavilion area, causing panic among attendees. The fire was extinguished within six minutes, with several people treated for smoke inhalation. As investigations into the cause continue, negotiations remain stalled.
The UN climate talks COP30 have been evacuated due to a fire breaking out inside the venue in Belém, Brazil.
BBC journalists saw flames and smoke in the pavilion area before they were rushed outside where fire engines raced past.
The UN said the fire was extinguished after six minutes, and 13 people were treated for smoke inhalation. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
The talks were in the final hours of trying to agree on next steps to tackle climate change, but the fire has disrupted negotiations and the talks remain closed.
Witness accounts describe serious panic, with one attendee stating, It was climbing the walls and onto the ceiling. People were screaming, as the evacuation unfolded.
Emergency responders reported several injuries mainly related to smoke inhalation, creating a chaotic scene at a time when hundreds of delegates were present aiming to finalize agreements on climate policies.
As the UN launched an investigation, delegates were left to cool off outside, many seeking shelter beneath available spots while awaiting updates on the safety of the venue.
Negations at the conference are expected to be significantly delayed as delegates regroup in the wake of the incident.
