A MAJOR fire has broken out at a hotel on Aberystwyth seafront, with at least one person missing.
Authorities say that 14 people including three children have been evacuated from the Ty Belgrave House hotel in Marine Terrace.
Dyfed Powys Police in Ceredigion said on social media: "Major fire in Aberystwyth town centre overnights.
"Lots of diversions and roads closed. Please allow more time for your commute today."
The four-star hotel sits on Aberystwyth promenade with rooms costing up to £120 per night.
Daisy Wright, who lives near the hotel, told the BBC: "To start with it looked like a very small isolated fire - you could only see smoke.
"Within an hour there were flames coming from the roof and then it seemed like the whole hotel was coming up in flames.
"It was quite nerve wracking because there was a lot of smoke."
"Attending crews were met with a well-developed fire and rescued nine adults and three children from the affected property," a fire service spokeswoman said.
"At present one person remains unaccounted for.
"The fire has spread to adjoining properties and the fire service are currently working hard to prevent further fire damage.
"Residents from adjoining properties have been evacuated to alternative accommodation."
Mainline coach driver Darko Cvetkovic saw the blaze break out while looking after tourists from Austria.
He said that fire alarms went off at 2am.
Speaking to Wales Online he said: "We looked out and could see lots of smoke so got out fast.
"There were lots of people with no shoes on and still in their pyjamas. I had managed to park the coach near the hotel, so I got some of the guests on to the coach so people could keep warm.
"Then we got the news that we could go to the Aberystwyth Park Lodge hotel.
"They have given us tea and coffee and let us stay here until we can get back to our hotel. The people on our tour came out with nothing and all their clothes and passports are back in their rooms. People have been fantastic as looking after us."
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The brigade said 12 fire appliances were at the scene, including three aerial appliances, a high-volume pumping unit and a unmanned drone.
The spokeswoman added: "The cause of the fire is unknown; however, a joint investigation by the fire service and Dyfed Powys Police will take place in due course.
"Public Health Wales have requested local residents to keep doors and windows shut and to turn off air conditioning units.
"Ceredigion County Council have closed a number of roads in the vicinity of the property whilst the incident is ongoing."
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