Firefighters are still at the scene of a devastating fire which has gutted the former CBD Hotel in Newcastle overnight.
Newcastle Fire Command says received 30 calls to the former pub which straddles the block between Hunter and King Streets just after 5.30pm on Sunday.
Initial reports suggest there was a loud explosion moments before the fire took hold.
Around 100 residents from a nearby apartment building were evacuated - some say squatters had been living in the hotel which was sold to a developer last year.
26 fire trucks and crews have been rotated through the night, with the fire brought under control around 1am.
1 truck remains at the scene mopping up hot spots and
King Streets has been reopened but Hunter Street remain closed between Auckland and Union Streets as does the Light Rail line amid fears a wall could collapse into the street.
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| Firefighters battle the CBD Hotel Fire last night Picture: theherald.com.au |
