Hotel Inferno Causes Brisbane Festival Changes

The Victory Hotel, one of Brisbane's most iconic hotels was set ablaze around 3am this morning sending thousands of inner city party goers into the streets. Chaotic scenes erupted on Edward and Charlotte Streets last night, as club-goers evacuated the Hotel when it caught fire just before 3am. Little remains of the popular venue, which was guttered by the fire however buildings ajacent to the hotel received only minor smoke damage.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Senior Operations Coordinator Bevan Moore said fire crews were confronted by ``complete and utter chaos'', as they arrived at the scene.
 
``Initially our trucks couldn't even get to the premises because the crowd was so thick on the ground,'' Mr Moore said.
 
``There were bodies lying on the ground and footpaths...hundreds more crowded the streets who had evacuated the building.

``Can you imagine hundreds of people, intoxicated, under the influence of alcohol and a building ablaze?''

The fire forced the postponement of Brisbane Festival events at Metro Arts which ajoins the Victory Hotel. All afternoon shows were posponed while fire crews worked to re open the Metro Arts building and ensure if was safe for the shows to proceed. 

All night time events will proceed and all tickets for the day time sessions are valid for the nightime shows.

To see the full list of Brisbane Festival events click here