Christchurch warehouse partially collapses after major Sydenham blaze

Firefighters are battling a large blaze at a commercial warehouse in Sydenham, Christchurch, which has caused a building to partially collapse. Emergency services were called to the scene near Brisbane Street at approximately 11.30am on Wednesday. The fire has heavily damaged the structure, leaving a blackened skeletal frame visible in some sections and causing walls and roofs to fall in.

The blaze is believed to have affected the Look Sharp distribution centre. Witnesses reported seeing thick black smoke billowing across the city, with some noting the smoke could be smelt as far away as Lincoln and seen from more than 7km away in Westmorland.

Compiled from reports by The Press, 1News, Stuff, Otago Daily Times, RNZ and NZ Herald.